Meaning
The act of descending stairs
Cultural Background
In traditional Javanese philosophy, stairs (tangga) represent the levels of life. Descending the stairs can symbolize returning to one's roots or humility. The 'Rumah Gadang' has a specific number of steps. Guests must wash their feet before 'naik tangga' (climbing) and be mindful when 'turun tangga' (descending) to show respect to the host. In Jakarta, 'turun tangga' is often a choice made for health. Office workers might 'turun tangga' for 2-3 floors to avoid long elevator queues and get some steps in. Stairs in Balinese temples (Pura) are often steep and narrow. 'Turun tangga' from a temple requires focus and is often done in a specific way to maintain the sanctity of the space.
Safety First
In Indonesia, always hold the 'pegangan tangga' (handrail) because many stairs in older buildings can be uneven.
Price Confusion
Never use 'turun tangga' for prices. Just say 'harganya turun'.
Meaning
The act of descending stairs
Safety First
In Indonesia, always hold the 'pegangan tangga' (handrail) because many stairs in older buildings can be uneven.
Price Confusion
Never use 'turun tangga' for prices. Just say 'harganya turun'.
Politeness
If you meet someone older while you are 'turun tangga' and they are 'naik tangga', it's polite to slow down or give them more space.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'stairs'.
Hati-hati saat turun ______.
'Tangga' means stairs. You don't usually 'turun' (descend) a door, table, or chair in this context.
Which sentence means 'I am going down the stairs'?
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
'Turun' means down, 'naik' means up.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Di mana Budi? B: Dia sedang ______ tangga dari lantai dua.
The context of 'dari lantai dua' (from the second floor) implies movement downwards.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: The elevator is broken and you are on the 3rd floor.
If the elevator is broken, you must use the stairs to go down.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHati-hati saat turun ______.
'Tangga' means stairs. You don't usually 'turun' (descend) a door, table, or chair in this context.
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
'Turun' means down, 'naik' means up.
A: Di mana Budi? B: Dia sedang ______ tangga dari lantai dua.
The context of 'dari lantai dua' (from the second floor) implies movement downwards.
Situation: The elevator is broken and you are on the 3rd floor.
If the elevator is broken, you must use the stairs to go down.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsTechnically yes, but it's better to say 'turun lewat eskalator' to avoid confusion with walking.
It is neutral. For very formal writing, use 'menuruni tangga'.
It is 'tangga-tangga', but we rarely use it in this phrase.
Yes, this is common and means 'descending from the stairs'.
Yes, but 'turun tangga' usually implies a staircase. For a ladder, people often just say 'turun'.
This refers to the exercise of going up and down stairs repeatedly.
Not really, but 'turun lewat tangga' is the most common casual way to give directions.
Related Phrases
naik tangga
contrastTo go up the stairs
tangga darurat
specialized formEmergency stairs
anak tangga
builds onA single step/rung
rumah tangga
similarHousehold
turun tangan
similarTo get involved/help
