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A1 verb 10 min read

dorong

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips dorong in 30 Seconds

Explanation dorong in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'dorong' is taught as a basic action verb. You will use it primarily in physical contexts. The most important thing to learn is the command 'Dorong!' (Push!) and its opposite 'Tarik!' (Pull!). You will see these on doors everywhere in Indonesia. You should be able to use it in very simple sentences like 'Saya dorong meja' (I push the table) or 'Tolong dorong mobil saya' (Please push my car). At this stage, you don't need to worry too much about complex prefixes, but knowing 'mendorong' as the basic 'doing' form is helpful. The focus is on survival and basic navigation of physical spaces. You might also learn 'gerobak dorong' as a common sight in Indonesian streets. Remember, if you see a sign on a door, 'D' is for 'Dorong' (Push) and 'T' is for 'Tarik' (Pull). This is a vital survival skill to avoid embarrassing moments at the entrance of a shop!

At the A2 level, you start to use 'dorong' with more consistency in grammar, specifically using the 'me-' prefix to form 'mendorong'. You can describe daily activities in more detail, such as 'Dia mendorong bayi di dalam kereta' (She is pushing the baby in a stroller). You also begin to understand the passive form 'didorong'. You might use it in social contexts to mean 'encouraged' in a very simple way, like 'Guru mendorong saya belajar' (The teacher encourages me to study). You will also encounter 'dorongan' as a noun, perhaps in the context of 'dorongan semangat' (encouragement). You should be able to distinguish between 'dorong' (pushing an object) and 'tekan' (pressing a button). Your vocabulary is growing to include related objects like 'kursi roda' (wheelchair) and 'keranjang belanja' (shopping cart) which are objects you typically 'mendorong'.

By B1, you are comfortable using 'mendorong' in both physical and abstract contexts. You can discuss motivations and influences. For example, 'Faktor ekonomi mendorong orang untuk pindah ke kota' (Economic factors push/drive people to move to the city). You understand the nuance of 'terdorong' (to be driven or accidentally pushed). You can use 'dorongan' to describe impulses or external pressures. Your sentences become more complex, involving conjunctions and more varied vocabulary. You might talk about 'mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi' (stimulating economic growth) or 'mendorong partisipasi masyarakat' (encouraging community participation). You also start to recognize idioms and common collocations. You understand that 'mendorong' is a proactive verb used in professional and academic settings to describe positive influence and progress.

At the B2 level, you can use 'mendorong' and its derivatives with precision in professional and formal environments. You can distinguish between 'mendorong' and 'mendesak' (to urge/pressurize). You can engage in debates about what 'mendorong' (drives) certain social phenomena. You are proficient in using the suffix '-kan' to form 'mendorongkan' when appropriate. You can read news articles about 'kebijakan yang mendorong investasi' (policies that encourage investment) and understand the subtle implications. You use 'dorongan' to discuss psychological concepts like 'dorongan bawah sadar' (subconscious drive). Your use of the passive 'didorong' is fluid, and you can use it to shift focus in sophisticated ways in your writing. You also understand the use of 'dorong-dorongan' to describe chaotic social situations or physical scuffles in a more descriptive manner.

At the C1 level, your use of 'dorong' is nuanced and stylistically varied. You can use 'mendorong' in high-level academic or literary writing to describe complex causal relationships. You might write about the 'kekuatan pendorong' (driving force) behind historical movements or scientific breakthroughs. You understand the historical etymology and how the word has evolved in modern Indonesian. You can use it in metaphors and sophisticated rhetoric. For example, 'Mendorong batas-bahan kemanusiaan' (Pushing the boundaries of humanity). You are aware of the subtle differences in register between 'mendorong', 'memotivasi', 'merangsang', and 'memicu' (to trigger). You can handle complex sentence structures where 'dorongan' acts as a subject or an object with multiple modifiers. Your understanding of the word is deeply integrated with an understanding of Indonesian social and political discourse.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'dorong'. You can use it in all its forms with perfect grammatical accuracy and stylistic appropriateness. You can appreciate and use the word in poetry or advanced prose where 'dorongan' might represent a primal force of nature or a subtle shift in the zeitgeist. You can navigate the most formal legal or political documents where 'mendorong' might define the mandate of a government agency. You are also familiar with very niche or technical uses, such as 'gaya dorong' in aerospace engineering or specific slang usages in various Indonesian subcultures. You can explain the cultural significance of 'mendorong' in the context of Indonesian collective action and social harmony. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool for expressing the full range of human action and influence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

dorong in 30 Seconds

Dorong is the Indonesian verb for 'push', used primarily for physical movement of objects away from the body.
The word frequently takes the prefix 'me-' to become 'mendorong' in active sentences, meaning to push or encourage.
Metaphorically, it means to motivate, stimulate, or drive progress in social, economic, or personal contexts.
Commonly seen on door signs in Indonesia as 'DORONG', paired with 'TARIK' which means pull.

The Indonesian word dorong is a fundamental verb that every learner must master early in their journey. At its most basic level, it translates to 'push' in English. This refers to the physical act of applying force against an object to move it away from oneself or to change its position. However, as you progress in Indonesian, you will find that dorong and its derivatives, such as mendorong, carry a heavy weight of metaphorical meaning, much like the English word 'encourage' or 'motivate'.

Physical Force: This is the primary usage. Whether you are opening a door, moving a piece of furniture, or helping someone whose car has broken down, dorong is the action you are performing. In Indonesia, you will frequently see signs on doors that say 'DORONG' (Push) or 'TARIK' (Pull).

Tolong bantu saya mendorong mobil mogok ini ke pinggir jalan.

Beyond the physical, mendorong is the standard verb for 'to encourage'. When a teacher inspires a student, or a government implements a policy to stimulate the economy, the word used is mendorong. It implies a positive force applied to a situation to achieve progress. It is less about coercion and more about providing the necessary impetus for growth or action.

Social and Psychological Impetus: In social contexts, dorongan (the noun form) refers to an urge, impulse, or drive. For example, 'dorongan batin' refers to an inner urge or intuition that compels someone to act in a certain way. This shows the depth of the word, moving from the palm of the hand to the depths of the psyche.

Pemerintah terus mendorong penggunaan energi terbarukan di seluruh provinsi.

Culturally, the concept of 'mendorong' is linked to 'gotong royong' (mutual cooperation). If someone's vehicle is stuck, it is common for bystanders to immediately offer to dorong without being asked. This reflects the communal nature of Indonesian society where physical assistance is readily given. Understanding dorong isn't just about the verb; it's about understanding the proactive energy expected in both physical and social interactions in Indonesia.

Technical Usage: In modern contexts, such as technology, 'push notifications' are translated as 'notifikasi dorong', though 'notifikasi push' is also common. In physics, it describes 'gaya dorong' or thrust/propulsion, used when discussing rockets or engines.

Ibu selalu mendorong adik untuk rajin belajar supaya pintar.

Jangan mendorong pintu itu, karena itu adalah pintu tarik.

Using dorong correctly requires an understanding of Indonesian morphology, specifically how prefixes and suffixes change the word's function. The root dorong is versatile, but it rarely stands alone in formal sentences except as an imperative (command) or on signs.

Active Voice: Mendorong: To say 'I push the table', you say 'Saya mendorong meja'. The prefix me- indicates an active action performed by the subject. This is the most common form you will use in daily conversation and writing.

Dia mendorong sepedanya yang bocor sampai ke bengkel terdekat.

The passive voice is equally important in Indonesian. When the object being pushed is the focus, we use didorong. For example, 'Meja itu didorong oleh Budi' (The table was pushed by Budi). This is very common when describing accidents or results of actions where the doer is less important than the object affected.

Reciprocal Action: Dorong-dorongan: When people are pushing each other (like in a crowded concert or a protest), the term used is dorong-dorongan. The reduplication and suffix -an indicate a continuous, mutual, or chaotic action.

Para penonton dorong-dorongan saat pintu gerbang stadion dibuka.

Another variation is terdorong, which implies an accidental or involuntary push. If you were pushed by the wind or by a crowd without someone intentionally doing it to you, terdorong is the appropriate choice. It can also mean 'to be driven' by a certain emotion or motive.

Causative and Directional: Mendorongkan: The suffix -kan can be added to make mendorongkan, which often emphasizes the object being pushed toward something or someone else, or performing the action for someone else's benefit.

Saksi itu terdorong oleh rasa bersalah untuk menceritakan kebenaran.

Finally, the noun dorongan is used to describe the push itself or the motivation. 'Dorongan ekonomi' (economic stimulus) or 'dorongan semangat' (encouragement/boost of spirit) are very common collocations in news and motivational speeches. Mastering these variations allows you to transition from simple physical descriptions to complex abstract discussions.

Kita butuh dorongan baru untuk menyelesaikan proyek ini tepat waktu.

The word dorong is ubiquitous in Indonesian life, appearing in environments ranging from the most mundane to the highly professional. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the word even when spoken quickly or used idiomatically.

Public Spaces and Signs: The most common place to see the root word is on glass doors of shops, offices, and malls. Usually, there is a small rectangular sticker at eye level. If it says 'DORONG', you push; if it says 'TARIK', you pull. Many foreigners make the mistake of pulling when they see 'dorong' because of the phonetic similarity to 'door' in English, but remember: Dorong = Push.

Di pintu masuk bank, tertulis instruksi dorong dengan huruf besar.

In traditional markets (pasar) or on the streets, you will hear the word in relation to 'gerobak' (carts). Street food vendors, such as those selling bakso or mie ayam, often use 'gerobak dorong'. You might hear someone say, 'Tukang baksonya lagi dorong gerobak di depan' (The bakso man is pushing his cart out front).

Sports and Physical Education: During a football (soccer) match or a basketball game, commentators use mendorong to describe a foul where one player pushes another. 'Pemain nomor sepuluh mendorong lawannya' (Player number ten pushed his opponent). It's also used in weightlifting or gym contexts (e.g., 'dorong beban').

Wasit meniup peluit karena ada aksi dorong-mendorong di kotak penalti.

In the workplace and media, mendorong is a 'power verb'. Politicians use it to discuss 'mendorong pertumbuhan' (pushing/stimulating growth) or 'mendorong perubahan' (pushing for change). In corporate meetings, a manager might 'mendorong timnya' (push/motivate their team) to reach a target. It sounds professional and proactive.

Medical and Emergency Situations: In hospitals, you will see nurses 'mendorong kursi roda' (pushing a wheelchair) or 'mendorong tempat tidur pasien' (pushing a patient's bed/stretcher). In emergencies, 'dorong' is a common shout when people are trying to move an obstacle or help a stalled vehicle.

Perawat itu dengan sigap mendorong brankar ke ruang operasi.

Lastly, in childhood games, 'main dorong-dorongan' is a common way to describe play-fighting or games involving pushing. It's a word that spans from the playground to the parliament, making it an essential part of the Indonesian lexical core.

Learning dorong seems straightforward, but English speakers often stumble on specific nuances and grammatical requirements of Indonesian. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Indonesian sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing 'Dorong' with 'Tarik': This is the most frequent mistake for beginners. Because 'dorong' starts with 'd', English speakers subconsciously associate it with 'door' and might pull the door toward them. Always remember: Dorong is away from you (Push), Tarik is toward you (Pull).

Banyak turis salah paham dan menarik pintu yang seharusnya didorong.

Another common error is omitting the me- prefix in formal contexts. While 'Saya dorong mobil' is acceptable in very casual daily speech, in any formal writing or polite conversation, you must say 'Saya mendorong mobil'. Note that the 'd' in 'dorong' is retained, and the prefix becomes 'men-' (not 'mem-' or 'meng-').

Overusing 'Dorong' for 'Press': In English, we sometimes say 'push a button'. In Indonesian, using dorong for a button sounds strange. The correct word for pressing a button, a key, or a doorbell is tekan or pencet. Use dorong only for objects you move through space with force.

Jangan mendorong tombol itu; kamu harus menekannya pelan-pelan.

Misusing the passive voice is another hurdle. Learners often forget that in the passive construction (di-), the actor follows the verb. Saying 'Mobil itu mendorong saya' (The car pushed me) is very different from 'Mobil itu didorong saya' (The car was pushed by me - though 'didorong oleh saya' or 'saya dorong' for first person passive is better).

Ignoring the Suffix -kan: Sometimes mendorong is used when mendorongkan is more appropriate. Mendorongkan often implies pushing something into a specific place or state. While often interchangeable in casual speech, the distinction adds precision to your Indonesian.

Ibu mendorongkan kursi ke bawah meja agar ruangan terlihat rapi.

Finally, don't confuse dorong with tunda (postpone), which sounds nothing alike but is sometimes confused in the mind of learners who are overwhelmed by new verbs. Focus on the physical motion of the hand moving away from the body to lock in the meaning of dorong.

Indonesian has several words that overlap with dorong, but each has its own specific context. Choosing the right one will make you sound like a more advanced speaker.

Dorong vs. Tekan vs. Pencet: As mentioned, dorong is for moving objects. Tekan is for applying pressure (like a button or a wound). Pencet is more informal and usually refers to small buttons or squeezing things (like a pimple or a spray bottle).

Gunakan kekuatan bahu untuk mendorong lemari, bukan sekadar menekannya.

When it comes to the metaphorical meaning of 'encourage', mendorong is very common, but menyemangati is more specific to boosting someone's spirit or morale. If you want to say 'to support', you might use mendukung. If you mean 'to urge' or 'to stimulate', merangsang or memotivasi are alternatives.

Dorong vs. Geser: Geser means 'to slide' or 'to shift'. If you are moving a chair slightly to the left, geser is better. If you are using force to move it across the room, dorong is more appropriate.

Tolong geser sedikit kursinya agar saya bisa lewat.

In the context of vehicles, mendorong is used for a broken-down car, but memajukan means to move something forward (often used for schedules or physical objects). Meluncurkan is used for 'to launch', such as a boat into the water or a product into the market, which is a specific type of 'pushing' into the world.

Antonyms: The direct opposite of dorong is tarik (pull). In abstract terms, the opposite of mendorong (encourage) could be menghambat (hinder) or menghalangi (block/prevent).

Hambatan birokrasi seringkali menghalangi upaya kita untuk mendorong inovasi.

By understanding these synonyms and antonyms, you can describe the specific 'flavor' of movement or influence you intend. Whether it's the gentle 'geser' of a curtain or the powerful 'mendorong' of a national reform, your vocabulary will reflect the nuance of the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Pemerintah sedang mendorong reformasi birokrasi."

Neutral

"Tolong bantu saya mendorong meja ini."

Informal

"Dorong aja, jangan ditarik!"

Child friendly

"Ayo dorong ayunannya pelan-pelan."

Slang

"Gak usah dorong-dorong gue, dong!"

Fun Fact

In old Malay, 'dorong' was sometimes used in nautical contexts to describe the wind pushing a sail. Today, it's the standard term on every modern mall door in Jakarta.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdɔ.rɔŋ/

US /ˈdɔ.rɔŋ/

Stress is typically on the final syllable in Indonesian, but in 'dorong', it sounds relatively balanced.

Rhymes With

lorong (alley) borong (wholesale) sorong (slide) corong (funnel) teropong (telescope - partial) tong (barrel) kosong (empty) tolong (help)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ng' as two sounds (n+g). It should be one sound like in 'song'.
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a trilled or tapped Indonesian 'r'.
Making the 'o' sound like 'ou' as in 'go'. Keep it a pure 'o'.
Pronouncing the final 'g' separately. It is silent, only the nasal 'ng' remains.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'u' (durung), which is a different word in Javanese.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The root is very short and common on signs.

Writing 2/5

Requires understanding of the 'me-' prefix and 'ng' spelling.

Speaking 2/5

Needs correct 'r' trill and 'ng' nasalization.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in sentences.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

tarik (pull) pintu (door) bantu (help) mobil (car) meja (table)

Learn Next

tekan (press) angkat (lift) bawa (carry) geser (shift) motivasi (motivation)

Advanced

stimulus (stimulus) akselerasi (acceleration) impulsif (impulsive) katalisator (catalyst) propulsi (propulsion)

Grammar to Know

Nasalization of 'me-' prefix with 'd'

me + dorong = mendorong (the 'd' is NOT dropped).

Passive voice construction with 'di-'

Meja itu didorong oleh saya.

Reduplication for reciprocal action

Mereka dorong-dorongan (They are pushing each other).

Suffix '-kan' for directional/causative

Dia mendorongkan kursi ke bawah meja.

Noun formation with '-an'

Dorongan (A push/motivation).

Examples by Level

Dorong pintunya, jangan ditarik.

Push the door, don't pull it.

Imperative form (command).

Saya dorong meja ini ke sana.

I push this table to there.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Mobil saya mogok, tolong dorong!

My car is stalled, please push!

Use of 'tolong' for a polite request.

Anak itu mendorong sepedanya.

The child is pushing their bicycle.

Active verb with 'me-' prefix.

Ibu mendorong kereta bayi.

Mother is pushing the baby stroller.

Present continuous action.

Jangan dorong teman kamu!

Don't push your friend!

Negative imperative.

Kami mendorong lemari berat ini.

We are pushing this heavy cupboard.

First person plural subject.

Dia dorong gerobak bakso.

He pushes the bakso cart.

Casual usage without 'me-' prefix.

Budi sedang mendorong motornya yang kehabisan bensin.

Budi is pushing his motorcycle that ran out of gas.

'Sedang' indicates an ongoing action.

Adik didorong oleh kakaknya saat bermain.

The younger sibling was pushed by the older sibling while playing.

Passive voice 'di-'.

Ayah mendorong saya untuk rajin belajar.

Father encourages me to study diligently.

Metaphorical use for encouragement.

Petugas itu mendorong kursi roda kakek.

The officer is pushing grandfather's wheelchair.

Compound noun 'kursi roda'.

Mereka mendorong perahu ke laut.

They pushed the boat into the sea.

Directional preposition 'ke'.

Saya merasa terdorong untuk membantu dia.

I feel driven/moved to help him.

'Terdorong' used for psychological drive.

Jangan mendorong-dorong di dalam antrean.

Don't keep pushing in the queue.

Reduplication 'dorong-dorong' for repeated action.

Pintu ini harus didorong kuat-kuat.

This door must be pushed very hard.

Adverbial 'kuat-kuat'.

Pemerintah mendorong warga untuk menggunakan transportasi umum.

The government encourages citizens to use public transportation.

Formal active voice for policy.

Inovasi teknologi mendorong perubahan gaya hidup manusia.

Technological innovation drives changes in human lifestyles.

Abstract subject 'Inovasi teknologi'.

Dorongan dari keluarga sangat penting bagi kesuksesan seorang atlet.

Encouragement from family is very important for an athlete's success.

Noun form 'dorongan'.

Dia terdorong oleh ambisi untuk menjadi pengusaha sukses.

He is driven by the ambition to become a successful entrepreneur.

Passive form 'terdorong' with 'oleh'.

Kenaikan harga BBM mendorong inflasi di dalam negeri.

The increase in fuel prices drives domestic inflation.

Economic context.

Kita perlu mendorong partisipasi pemuda dalam politik.

We need to encourage youth participation in politics.

Modal 'perlu' followed by 'mendorong'.

Aksi dorong-dorongan terjadi saat demonstrasi tersebut.

A pushing match occurred during the demonstration.

Reciprocal noun 'dorong-dorongan'.

Dia mendorongkan koper itu ke dalam bagasi mobil.

He pushed the suitcase into the car trunk.

Suffix '-kan' for directional movement.

Kebijakan baru ini diharapkan dapat mendorong investasi asing.

This new policy is expected to be able to stimulate foreign investment.

Complex passive 'diharapkan dapat'.

Faktor lingkungan seringkali mendorong terjadinya mutasi genetik.

Environmental factors often drive the occurrence of genetic mutations.

Scientific register.

Dia memberikan dorongan moral kepada temannya yang sedang sedih.

He gave moral support/encouragement to his friend who was sad.

Collocation 'dorongan moral'.

Saksi itu didorong untuk memberikan keterangan palsu.

The witness was pressured to give false testimony.

Passive 'didorong' meaning 'pressured'.

Kita harus mendorong batas-batas kreativitas dalam proyek ini.

We must push the boundaries of creativity in this project.

Metaphorical 'batas-batas' (boundaries).

Kurangnya lapangan kerja mendorong tingginya angka kriminalitas.

The lack of job opportunities drives high crime rates.

Causal relationship.

Dia merasa ada dorongan batin yang kuat untuk pergi ke sana.

He felt a strong inner urge to go there.

Collocation 'dorongan batin'.

Pemerintah daerah mendorong pengembangan UMKM melalui pelatihan.

The local government encourages the development of MSMEs through training.

Institutional context.

Globalisasi telah mendorong konvergensi budaya di berbagai belahan dunia.

Globalization has driven cultural convergence in various parts of the world.

Perfect tense 'telah' with abstract subject.

Studi ini mencoba membedah kekuatan pendorong di balik revolusi industri.

This study tries to dissect the driving forces behind the industrial revolution.

Phrase 'kekuatan pendorong' (driving force).

Retorika politiknya sangat efektif dalam mendorong sentimen nasionalis.

His political rhetoric is very effective in driving nationalist sentiment.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'retorika' and 'sentimen'.

Kebutuhan mendesak akan energi bersih mendorong riset nuklir lebih lanjut.

The urgent need for clean energy drives further nuclear research.

Adjective 'mendesak' modifying the subject.

Dia tidak bisa menahan dorongan untuk mengkritik kebijakan tersebut.

He could not resist the urge to criticize the policy.

Noun 'dorongan' as an object of 'menahan'.

Film ini mendorong kita untuk merenungkan arti kehidupan yang sebenarnya.

This film pushes/encourages us to reflect on the true meaning of life.

Verb 'merenungkan' (to reflect/contemplate).

Persaingan pasar yang ketat mendorong perusahaan untuk terus berinovasi.

Intense market competition drives companies to continue innovating.

Economic 'persaingan pasar'.

Ada dorongan kuat dari akar rumput untuk melakukan reformasi birokrasi.

There is a strong push from the grassroots to carry out bureaucratic reform.

Idiom 'akar rumput' (grassroots).

Dinamika geopolitik kawasan tersebut mendorong terjadinya pergeseran aliansi.

The geopolitical dynamics of the region are driving a shift in alliances.

Advanced political terminology.

Karya sastra ini mengeksplorasi dorongan-dorongan purba manusia dalam menghadapi maut.

This literary work explores primal human drives in the face of death.

Literary register 'eksplorasi' and 'purba'.

Paradigma baru dalam pendidikan harus mendorong kemandirian berpikir siswa.

The new paradigm in education must encourage students' independence of thought.

Academic 'paradigma' and 'kemandirian'.

Evolusi biologis didorong oleh seleksi alam yang berlangsung selama jutaan tahun.

Biological evolution is driven by natural selection occurring over millions of years.

Scientific passive voice.

Krisis ini menjadi momentum untuk mendorong transformasi digital secara masif.

This crisis has become the momentum to drive a massive digital transformation.

Strategic business/political context.

Insting bertahan hidup seringkali mendorong manusia melakukan hal-hal yang luar biasa.

The survival instinct often drives humans to do extraordinary things.

Psychological subject 'Insting bertahan hidup'.

Pidato tersebut berhasil mendorong antusiasme publik terhadap program pemerintah.

The speech succeeded in driving public enthusiasm for the government program.

Result-oriented 'berhasil mendorong'.

Ketimpangan sosial yang lebar dapat mendorong terjadinya gejolak di masyarakat.

Wide social inequality can drive the occurrence of unrest in society.

Sociological analysis.

Common Collocations

mendorong pertumbuhan

gerobak dorong

dorongan batin

mendorong maju

kursi roda dorong

gaya dorong

mendorong semangat

dorongan moral

mendorong partisipasi

pintu dorong

Common Phrases

Ayo dorong!

— A call to action to physically push something, like a car.

Mobilnya tidak mau nyala, ayo dorong!

Dorongan kuat

— A strong urge or a powerful push.

Ada dorongan kuat untuk mengubah sistem ini.

Mendorong ke pinggir

— To push something to the side or to marginalize something.

Jangan mendorong masalah ini ke pinggir.

Saling mendorong

— Pushing each other.

Anak-anak saling mendorong di taman bermain.

Mendorong batas

— To push the limits.

Dia selalu mendorong batas kemampuannya.

Dorongan ekonomi

— Economic stimulus or drive.

Pemerintah memberikan dorongan ekonomi bagi petani.

Didorong rasa ingin tahu

— Driven by curiosity.

Anak itu bertanya karena didorong rasa ingin tahu.

Mendorong reformasi

— To push for reform.

Mahasiswa turun ke jalan untuk mendorong reformasi.

Terus mendorong

— To keep pushing/encouraging.

Kita harus terus mendorong inovasi lokal.

Gaya dorong utama

— Main driving force.

Teknologi adalah gaya dorong utama abad ini.

Often Confused With

dorong vs tarik

Opposite direction (pull). Frequently confused on door signs.

dorong vs tekan

Applying pressure (press) rather than moving an object.

dorong vs tunda

Phonetically different but sometimes confused by beginners; means 'postpone'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dorong mobil mogok"

— Literally pushing a stalled car, but often used to describe helping someone who is stuck in life.

Kita harus membantu teman yang sedang susah, seperti dorong mobil mogok.

Informal

"Mendorong ke jurang"

— To push someone into a disaster or a bad situation.

Saran yang buruk itu malah mendorongnya ke jurang kegagalan.

Metaphorical

"Dorongan maut"

— A push that leads to death or a fatal impulse.

Dia melakukan tindakan berbahaya karena dorongan maut.

Dramatic

"Mendorong air ke bukit"

— To do something nearly impossible or very difficult (similar to 'rolling a stone uphill').

Meyakinkannya sangat sulit, seperti mendorong air ke bukit.

Literary

"Main dorong-dorongan"

— To engage in horseplay or avoid responsibility by pushing it to others.

Jangan main dorong-dorongan tanggung jawab.

Informal

"Mendorong di depan"

— To lead or take the initiative.

Dia selalu mendorong di depan dalam setiap aksi sosial.

Neutral

"Kena dorong"

— To be influenced or forced by circumstances.

Saya kena dorong teman untuk ikut pesta itu.

Informal

"Dorongan angin"

— Driven by the wind, often used for rumors or unstable situations.

Kabar itu hanya dorongan angin belaka.

Poetic

"Mendorong pintu terbuka"

— To take an easy opportunity or to state the obvious.

Ide itu bagus, tapi kamu hanya mendorong pintu terbuka.

Metaphorical

"Pendorong utama"

— The main catalyst or driver.

Pendidikan adalah pendorong utama kemajuan bangsa.

Formal

Easily Confused

dorong vs tekan

Both involve force.

Tekan is for pressure (buttons, wounds), dorong is for movement (doors, cars).

Tekan bel, lalu dorong pintunya.

dorong vs geser

Both move objects.

Geser is a slight shift or slide; dorong is a more forceful push.

Geser kursinya sedikit, lalu dorong mejanya ke tengah.

dorong vs mendesak

Both can mean 'to push' someone.

Mendesak implies urgency or social pressure; mendorong is more general or encouraging.

Keadaan mendesak saya untuk segera bertindak.

dorong vs pencet

Informal version of press.

Pencet is for small buttons or squeezing; dorong is for large objects.

Pencet jerawat itu, jangan didorong.

dorong vs tuntun

Both involve moving something while walking.

Tuntun means to lead or guide (like a bike or a blind person); dorong means to push it from behind or the side.

Dia menuntun sepedanya melewati jembatan.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + dorong + [Object]

Saya dorong pintu.

[Subject] + sedang + mendorong + [Object]

Dia sedang mendorong sepeda.

[Subject] + mendorong + [Object] + untuk + [Verb]

Ibu mendorong saya untuk makan.

[Object] + didorong + oleh + [Subject]

Investasi didorong oleh kebijakan baru.

[Noun Phrase] + menjadi + faktor pendorong + [Noun Phrase]

Pendidikan menjadi faktor pendorong kemajuan.

[Subject] + terdorong + melakukan + [Action] + karena + [Reason]

Masyarakat terdorong melakukan aksi karena ketidakadilan.

Any

Jangan + dorong + [Object]

Jangan dorong saya!

Any

Ayo + dorong + [Object] + [Direction]

Ayo dorong mobil ke sana!

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in both physical and abstract senses.

Common Mistakes

Saya dorong tombol. → Saya tekan tombol.
'Dorong' is for moving objects; 'tekan' is for applying pressure to a fixed point.
Pintu itu ditarik. → Pintu itu didorong.
Confusion between push and pull based on the English word 'door'.
Dia memdorong mobil. → Dia mendorong mobil.
Incorrect nasalization. 'me-' + 'd' becomes 'men-', not 'mem-'.
Mobil didorong saya. → Mobil saya dorong / Mobil didorong oleh saya.
In the first-person passive, 'di-' is often dropped, or 'oleh' must be used properly.
Saya terdorong meja. → Saya mendorong meja.
Using 'terdorong' (accidentally pushed/driven) when the intentional action 'mendorong' was meant.

Tips

Prefix 'me-'

When adding 'me-' to 'dorong', the 'd' stays. It becomes 'mendorong'. This is a common rule for words starting with 'd'.

Opposites

Always learn 'dorong' and 'tarik' together. They are inseparable pairs on every door in the country.

Politeness

If you need someone to move something, say 'Bisa minta tolong didorong?' (Can I ask for help to have this pushed?).

Gotong Royong

Don't be surprised if strangers help you 'dorong' your car if it stops. It's a normal cultural practice.

Abstract Use

Use 'mendorong' in your essays to describe causes and effects, e.g., 'Hal ini mendorong terjadinya...'

NG Sound

Practice the 'ng' sound at the end. It's one sound, not 'n' then 'g'. Your tongue should touch the back of your roof.

Visual Cue

Visualize yourself pushing a heavy car. Say 'DORONG' with every heave of your chest.

Not for Buttons

Avoid using 'dorong' for elevators or doorbells. Use 'tekan' or 'pencet' instead.

Noun Form

'Dorongan' can mean 'impulse'. Use it when discussing psychology or sudden decisions.

Encouragement

To encourage a friend, say 'Saya akan selalu mendorongmu' (I will always encourage/support you).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Door' that you 'Wrongly' pull when the sign says 'Dorong'. Dorong = Door + Wrong (if you pull). Just Push!

Visual Association

Imagine a big, red 'D' on a door. D is for Dorong, and the arrow points AWAY from you.

Word Web

mendorong didorong dorongan terdorong tarik pintu gerobak semangat

Challenge

Go to a local shop and look for the 'Dorong' sign. Say the word out loud as you push the door open.

Word Origin

The word 'dorong' is a native Austronesian word found in various forms across the Indonesian archipelago. It has maintained its core meaning of physical displacement through force for centuries.

Original meaning: To apply force to an object to move it.

Austronesian -> Malayo-Polynesian -> Western Malayo-Polynesian -> Sunda-Sulawesi -> Malayic -> Malay -> Indonesian.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'mendorong' with people; ensure it sounds like encouragement rather than physical force unless that is intended.

English speakers often confuse 'dorong' with 'door' and pull. In English, 'push' is often seen as aggressive, but in Indonesian 'mendorong' is very frequently positive (encouragement).

Gerobak Dorong - a common theme in Indonesian social realism art. Lagu 'Dorong-dorongan' - children's play songs. Political slogans about 'Mendorong Ekonomi Kerakyatan'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Opening a door

Dorong pintunya.
Pintunya harus didorong.
Tarik atau dorong?
Gunakan pintu dorong.

Stalled vehicle

Bisa bantu dorong?
Ayo dorong bareng-bareng!
Mobilnya perlu didorong.
Dorong ke pinggir jalan.

Giving advice

Saya mendorong kamu untuk mencoba.
Terima kasih atas dorongannya.
Dia mendorong saya belajar.
Jangan mendorong dia terlalu keras.

Shopping

Ambil keranjang dorong.
Saya mendorong troli.
Jangan dorong-dorongan di kasir.
Dorong belanjaannya ke mobil.

Business meeting

Kita harus mendorong efisiensi.
Apa faktor pendorong utamanya?
Mendorong inovasi adalah kunci.
Dorongan pasar sangat kuat.

Conversation Starters

"Apakah kamu bisa bantu saya mendorong meja ini ke pojok ruangan?"

"Apa yang biasanya mendorong kamu untuk bangun pagi dan berolahraga?"

"Kenapa di Indonesia banyak sekali pedagang yang memakai gerobak dorong?"

"Apakah kamu lebih suka pintu yang ditarik atau didorong saat masuk toko?"

"Bagaimana cara pemerintah mendorong masyarakat agar lebih peduli lingkungan?"

Journal Prompts

Tuliskan tentang saat di mana kamu harus mendorong dirimu sendiri untuk melakukan sesuatu yang sangat sulit.

Ceritakan pengalamanmu melihat atau membantu seseorang mendorong mobil yang mogok di jalan.

Apa dorongan batin terbesar dalam hidupmu saat ini yang membuatmu ingin terus belajar bahasa Indonesia?

Bayangkan kamu adalah seorang pemimpin. Bagaimana cara kamu mendorong timmu agar tetap semangat?

Deskripsikan suasana di pasar tradisional Indonesia, fokuslah pada penggunaan gerobak dorong oleh para pedagang.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In casual conversation or as a command on a sign, 'dorong' is used alone. However, in standard sentences, you should use 'mendorong' for the active voice and 'didorong' for the passive voice.

It's better to use 'tekan tombol' or 'pencet tombol'. 'Dorong' implies moving the button across a distance, which isn't what happens. Use 'tekan' for pressure.

'Mendorong' is general (to push/encourage). 'Menyemangati' specifically means to boost someone's spirit (semangat). You can 'mendorong' an economy, but you 'menyemangati' a sad friend.

Think of the 'D' in 'Dorong' and 'Distance'. You push to create distance between you and the object. Alternatively, remember that 'Tarik' (pull) sounds like 'Traction'.

Yes, it's used when a player pushes another player (a foul) or when pushing an object like a shot put ball (tolak peluru - though 'tolak' is more specific there).

It means being 'driven' or 'moved' by an internal feeling or external circumstance, often implying it wasn't a fully conscious decision.

Yes, 'mendorong produk' can mean promoting or pushing a product in the market to increase sales.

The root itself is neutral, but 'mendorong' is perfectly appropriate in the most formal academic and political contexts.

It is a push-cart used by street vendors in Indonesia to sell food, drinks, or goods. It is a very common sight.

The technical term is 'notifikasi dorong', although many Indonesians simply use the English 'push notification'.