Meaning
A physical description of eyes
Cultural Background
Large eyes are often associated with the 'Wayang' character Bima, symbolizing honesty and strength. It is a very positive trait. In Javanese culture, eye shape can indicate social status in traditional arts. 'Mata telengan' (round/big) is for warriors. The influence of Anime has made 'mata besar' a popular aesthetic for youth, leading to the use of 'circle lenses'. Poets often use 'mata besar' to describe a child's innocence or a character's wonder at the world.
Complimenting
If you want to compliment someone, add 'indah' (beautiful). 'Mata besar yang indah' is a perfect compliment.
Word Order
Never say 'Besar mata' for physical description. It sounds like you're translating directly from English and is incorrect.
Meaning
A physical description of eyes
Complimenting
If you want to compliment someone, add 'indah' (beautiful). 'Mata besar yang indah' is a perfect compliment.
Word Order
Never say 'Besar mata' for physical description. It sounds like you're translating directly from English and is incorrect.
Use '-nya'
In conversation, 'Matanya besar' is much more natural than 'Dia punya mata besar'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct Indonesian translation for 'Big eyes'.
How do you say 'Big eyes' in Indonesian?
In Indonesian, the noun (mata) comes before the adjective (besar).
Fill in the blank to say 'His eyes are very big'.
Mata-nya _____ besar.
'Sangat' is the standard word for 'very' placed before the adjective.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are all common 'mata' related terms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Lihat kucing itu! B: Wah, iya! Kucing itu punya ______.
The context of looking at a cat suggests a physical description like 'big eyes'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Word Order Comparison
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHow do you say 'Big eyes' in Indonesian?
In Indonesian, the noun (mata) comes before the adjective (besar).
Mata-nya _____ besar.
'Sangat' is the standard word for 'very' placed before the adjective.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all common 'mata' related terms.
A: Lihat kucing itu! B: Wah, iya! Kucing itu punya ______.
The context of looking at a cat suggests a physical description like 'big eyes'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is usually a neutral description or a compliment in Indonesia.
Yes, it is very common for describing pets like cats or owls.
'Mata besar' is neutral/formal, while 'mata belo' is informal and emphasizes roundness.
You can say 'mata yang sangat besar' or 'mata besar sekali'.
No, 'besar mata' (inverted) or 'lapar mata' means greedy. 'Mata besar' is just physical.
Yes, many Indonesian pop songs use it to describe a beautiful woman.
Indonesian doesn't usually pluralize, but you can say 'mata-mata yang besar' if needed.
Only if you are describing a physical trait for a specific reason (like a modeling job). Otherwise, it's irrelevant.
The opposite is 'mata kecil' (small eyes) or 'mata sipit' (slanted eyes).
Yes! Matahari (sun), mata kaki (ankle), and mata pisau (blade) are common.
Related Phrases
Mata-mata
specialized formSpy
Matahari
builds onSun
Lapar mata
similarGreedy for food/shopping
Mata duitan
similarMoney-oriented/Greedy
Mata belo
synonymRound, big eyes
