Signification
Taking a book to return later
Contexte culturel
Borrowing is a sign of trust. If someone lends you a book, it means they consider you a good friend. Photocopying borrowed books is very common in Indonesia due to the high cost of original textbooks. Students often 'pinjam buku' just to photocopy a chapter. In Islamic tradition, which influences Indonesian culture, returning borrowed items is a religious obligation. Keeping a borrowed book too long is seen as a 'hutang' (debt). In Jakarta, the phrase 'pinjam' is often used jokingly for things people don't intend to return quickly, like a lighter or a small amount of money, but for books, it remains serious.
Use 'Dong'
Add 'dong' at the end of 'Pinjam buku dong' to make the request sound more friendly and less like a command.
Check the condition
When you 'pinjam buku' in Indonesia, it's polite to check for existing damage so you aren't blamed for it later.
Signification
Taking a book to return later
Use 'Dong'
Add 'dong' at the end of 'Pinjam buku dong' to make the request sound more friendly and less like a command.
Check the condition
When you 'pinjam buku' in Indonesia, it's polite to check for existing damage so you aren't blamed for it later.
The 'Me-' Prefix
If you want to sound like a native speaker in a formal setting, always use 'meminjam' instead of just 'pinjam'.
Returning with a gift
If you borrow a book from a friend for a long time, it's a nice gesture to return it with a small snack (oleh-oleh).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pinjam'.
Boleh saya ______ buku kamu?
You use 'pinjam' when you are the one asking to borrow.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the formal version:
'Saya', 'ingin', and the prefix 'me-' are all markers of formal Indonesian.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the four core actions related to books.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Boleh saya pinjam buku ini? B: Boleh, tapi besok harus _______ ya.
If you borrow something, it must be 'dikembalikan' (returned).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the National Library. What do you say?
A library requires a formal register.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Borrow vs Lend
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesBoleh saya ______ buku kamu?
You use 'pinjam' when you are the one asking to borrow.
Choose the formal version:
'Saya', 'ingin', and the prefix 'me-' are all markers of formal Indonesian.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four core actions related to books.
A: Boleh saya pinjam buku ini? B: Boleh, tapi besok harus _______ ya.
If you borrow something, it must be 'dikembalikan' (returned).
You are at the National Library. What do you say?
A library requires a formal register.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsMostly yes, but it is increasingly used for e-books in digital library apps like iPusnas.
Yes, 'Boleh pinjam waktunya sebentar?' means 'Can I have a moment of your time?'.
The formal version is 'meminjam'.
Indonesian doesn't change the verb. Just add 'sudah': 'Saya sudah pinjam buku'.
In libraries, usually 2-5 books. With friends, it depends on your relationship!
You must 'ganti' (replace) it or pay for it. This is a matter of 'harga diri' (self-respect).
In a 'perpustakaan', yes, you need a 'kartu anggota'. With friends, no.
It is a colloquial/slang version of 'pinjam' used in Jakarta and casual speech.
You say 'Pinjamkan saya buku'.
Yes, sharing resources is a core part of the 'Gotong Royong' culture.
No, you must 'beli' (buy) it, unless they have a specific reading corner.
It means 'the borrower' (the person who borrows).
Expressions liées
Pinjam uang
similarTo borrow money
Pinjamkan
contrastTo lend
Kembalikan buku
builds onTo return a book
Sewa buku
similarTo rent a book
Pustaka
specialized formLiterature/Library
Baca buku
similarTo read a book
