Significado
Used to indicate an approximate amount or degree
Contexto cultural
In Javanese culture, being 'pas' (exact) can sometimes be seen as rigid. Using 'kurang lebih' aligns with the value of 'tepa selira' (empathy/tolerance), showing you aren't forcing a strict reality on others. In the fast-paced life of Jakarta, 'kurang lebih' is a survival tool for traffic. If someone says 'kurang lebih 10 menit,' it's a polite way of saying 'I'm trying, but the traffic is unpredictable.' While Batak people are often stereotyped as more direct, 'kurang lebih' is still used in formal 'adat' (traditional) ceremonies to discuss dowries or guest lists to maintain a sense of communal flexibility. In business, 'kurang lebih' is used during the 'soft' phase of negotiations. It allows both parties to agree on a ballpark figure before the lawyers and accountants finalize the 'exact' numbers.
The Bargaining Secret
When bargaining, use 'kurang lebih' to suggest a price. It makes you sound less aggressive and more like you're looking for a fair deal.
Don't flip it!
While 'Lebih kurang' is okay, 'Kurang lebih' is the standard in Indonesia. Stick to this order to sound like a local.
Significado
Used to indicate an approximate amount or degree
The Bargaining Secret
When bargaining, use 'kurang lebih' to suggest a price. It makes you sound less aggressive and more like you're looking for a fair deal.
Don't flip it!
While 'Lebih kurang' is okay, 'Kurang lebih' is the standard in Indonesia. Stick to this order to sound like a local.
The Standalone 'Yes'
If someone asks if you're finished with a task, a simple 'Ya, kurang lebih' is a very natural way to say 'Pretty much/Almost done'.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank to say 'The price is about 50,000'.
Harganya _________ lima puluh ribu rupiah.
'Kurang lebih' is used to indicate an approximate price.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Wait for about 5 minutes'?
Choose the correct sentence:
You must use both words 'kurang' and 'lebih' together to mean 'approximately'.
Match the response to the question.
Question: 'Apakah kamu suka filmnya?' (Do you like the movie?)
In this context, 'kurang lebih' means 'more or less' or 'pretty much'.
Complete the dialogue between a driver and a passenger.
Penumpang: Berapa lama lagi? Driver: _________ sepuluh menit lagi, Pak.
Drivers use 'kurang lebih' to estimate arrival times because of traffic.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Approximation Words
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosHarganya _________ lima puluh ribu rupiah.
'Kurang lebih' is used to indicate an approximate price.
Choose the correct sentence:
You must use both words 'kurang' and 'lebih' together to mean 'approximately'.
Question: 'Apakah kamu suka filmnya?' (Do you like the movie?)
In this context, 'kurang lebih' means 'more or less' or 'pretty much'.
Penumpang: Berapa lama lagi? Driver: _________ sepuluh menit lagi, Pak.
Drivers use 'kurang lebih' to estimate arrival times because of traffic.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, to estimate a number of people (e.g., 'Kurang lebih sepuluh orang'). You don't use it to describe a person's character.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or with a street vendor.
'Kira-kira' is more of a 'guess,' while 'kurang lebih' is more of an 'approximation.' They are often interchangeable.
Yes, but it sounds more Malaysian or Sumatran. In Java/Jakarta, 'Kurang lebih' is preferred.
Not really. For 'so-so,' use 'biasa saja' or 'lumayan.'
Usually before the number or at the very end of the phrase.
Yes, very common in news reports and emails.
Yes! 'Kurang lebih jam tiga' (About 3 o'clock).
No, Indonesian words don't change for plural. 'Kurang lebih' stays the same.
Yes, it's actually more polite than being too precise in many social situations.
Frases relacionadas
Kira-kira
synonymApproximately / Guess
Sekitar
similarAround
Hampir
similarAlmost
Sama saja
builds onBasically the same
Lebih kurang
specialized formMore or less
