Meaning
Putting in significant effort at work
Cultural Background
Indonesians value 'semangat' (spirit/enthusiasm) as a key component of hard work. You'll often hear 'Semangat!' as a cheer for someone working hard. The concept of 'Ulet' (tenacity) is often paired with kerja keras. It describes someone who is like a caterpillar—slow but steady and never giving up. In big cities, 'kerja keras' is increasingly being debated against 'work-life balance'. However, it remains a badge of honor in the competitive job market. Hard work is often framed as 'Jihad' in a broad sense—a struggle for the sake of providing for one's family and community.
Use the Verb Form
When describing an action, 'bekerja keras' sounds more natural than just 'kerja keras'.
Word Order
Never say 'keras kerja'. Adjectives always follow the noun in Indonesian.
Meaning
Putting in significant effort at work
Use the Verb Form
When describing an action, 'bekerja keras' sounds more natural than just 'kerja keras'.
Word Order
Never say 'keras kerja'. Adjectives always follow the noun in Indonesian.
The 'Hasil' Connection
Pair 'kerja keras' with 'hasil' (result) to sound like a native. 'Hasil tidak mengkhianati kerja keras' (Results don't betray hard work).
Praising Others
Saying 'Terima kasih atas kerja kerasnya' is a very polite way to end a project or a day of work.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kerja keras'.
Dia ingin sukses, jadi dia ________ setiap hari.
When used as a verb in a sentence, 'bekerja keras' is the most natural form.
Which sentence is the most natural way to praise someone's effort?
Pilih kalimat yang paling tepat:
'Kerja keras' is the standard collocation for 'hard work'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Bagaimana kamu bisa juara kelas?' B: 'Tentu saja dengan ________.'
Hard work is the logical reason for being the top of the class.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Banting tulang'?
'Banting tulang' is an idiom for very intense hard work.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Keras vs. Sulit vs. Berat
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDia ingin sukses, jadi dia ________ setiap hari.
When used as a verb in a sentence, 'bekerja keras' is the most natural form.
Pilih kalimat yang paling tepat:
'Kerja keras' is the standard collocation for 'hard work'.
A: 'Bagaimana kamu bisa juara kelas?' B: 'Tentu saja dengan ________.'
Hard work is the logical reason for being the top of the class.
When would you say 'Banting tulang'?
'Banting tulang' is an idiom for very intense hard work.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
It's better to say 'kerja sangat keras' or 'bekerja sangat keras'.
'Rajin' is a personality trait (diligent), while 'kerja keras' is the action of putting in effort.
Yes, it is very common to say 'kerja keras untuk belajar'.
No, it is two words, but they are often used together as a single concept.
It's a more intense, idiomatic way to say 'kerja keras'.
Indonesian doesn't change verbs for tense. Just add 'sudah' (already): 'Saya sudah kerja keras'.
It can be if they are already working hard. Use it as encouragement: 'Ayo, kerja keras!'
Yes, 'suara keras' (loud voice) or 'batu keras' (hard stone).
It means 'work smart', focusing on efficiency.
Yes, 'nyari cuan' (looking for money) is often used to imply working hard for profit.
K-E-R-J-A (space) K-E-R-A-S.
Related Phrases
Banting tulang
idiomTo work extremely hard (literally: slam bones)
Kerja cerdas
contrastWork smart
Jerih payah
similarToil and labor
Tekun
similarDiligent/Assiduous
Rajin
similarDiligent/Hardworking
