Meaning
An educator who is kind or skilled.
Cultural Background
Teachers are often called 'Pahlawan Tanpa Tanda Jasa' (Heroes Without Medals). Calling someone a 'Guru baik' is a way of acknowledging this heroic status. The term 'Guru' is sometimes jokingly abbreviated as 'Digugu lan Ditiru' (to be trusted and imitated). On Teacher's Day, students often post photos with their 'Guru baik' on Instagram using heart emojis. In universities, students might use 'Dosen baik' to refer to lecturers who are generous with grades or helpful with theses.
Add 'Yang'
If you want to sound more natural when describing someone, use 'Guru yang baik.'
Word Order
Never say 'Baik guru.' It's the most common mistake for English speakers!
Meaning
An educator who is kind or skilled.
Add 'Yang'
If you want to sound more natural when describing someone, use 'Guru yang baik.'
Word Order
Never say 'Baik guru.' It's the most common mistake for English speakers!
Respect
Always use 'Pak' (Mr.) or 'Bu' (Mrs.) before the teacher's name to be polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word order for 'good teacher'.
Pak Budi adalah seorang ________.
In Indonesian, the noun (guru) comes before the adjective (baik).
Which sentence means 'I have a kind teacher'?
Choose the best option:
'Saya punya' means 'I have'.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English meaning.
Match these:
These are common collocations involving 'Guru'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Apakah kamu suka sekolah? B: Ya, karena saya punya ________.
A 'good teacher' is a common reason to like school.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Baik vs Bagus
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPak Budi adalah seorang ________.
In Indonesian, the noun (guru) comes before the adjective (baik).
Choose the best option:
'Saya punya' means 'I have'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common collocations involving 'Guru'.
A: Apakah kamu suka sekolah? B: Ya, karena saya punya ________.
A 'good teacher' is a common reason to like school.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in both casual conversation and formal letters.
Yes, but 'Dosen baik' is more specific for university level.
'Baik' is for character/people, 'bagus' is for quality/objects.
You say 'Guru terbaik' or 'Guru paling baik'.
No, Indonesian adjectives do not change for gender.
Mostly, but it can be used for anyone who teaches a skill.
Yes, 'sangat' means 'very'.
It means 'A teacher who is good.' It's slightly more emphatic.
Young people might say 'Guru asik' (cool teacher).
It is November 25th.
Related Phrases
Guru yang baik
similarA teacher who is good
Dosen baik
specialized formGood university lecturer
Guru honorer
relatedTemporary/Contract teacher
Guru besar
relatedProfessor
Guru privat
relatedPrivate tutor
