Language/Indonesian/Grammar/Superlative

Indonesian Grammar → Comparative and Superlative → Superlative

Comparative and superlative are important elements of grammar in any language. In Indonesian, the superlative is used to indicate the highest degree or level of comparison. In this lesson, you will learn how to use superlatives in Indonesian: "paling," "ter...di."

Superlative in Indonesian

The superlative in Indonesian is used to indicate the highest degree or level of comparison. There are two types of superlative in Indonesian:

1. "Paling" 2. "Ter...di"

"Paling" is used to compare two or more things, while "ter...di" is used to highlight the extreme quality of something.

Here are some examples:

Indonesian	Pronunciation	English
Hari ini adalah hari paling indah dalam hidup saya.	hah-ree ee-nee ah-dah-lah hah-ree pah-leeng een-dah dah-lam hee-doop sah-yah	Today is the most beautiful day in my life.
Dia paling pandai di kelas.	dee-ah pah-leeng pan-dye dee klahs	She is the smartest in the class.
Lukisan itu terindah di dunia.	loo-kee-sahn ee-too tehr-een-dah dee doo-nee-ah	That painting is the most beautiful in the world.

As you can see, "paling" is translated as "most" in English, while "ter...di" is translated as "the most."

Examples of Superlative in Indonesian

Here are some more examples of the superlative in Indonesian:

• Dia adalah pemain sepak bola paling terkenal di Indonesia. (He is the most famous soccer player in Indonesia.)
• Lagu ini adalah lagu terindah yang pernah saya dengar. (This song is the most beautiful song I have ever heard.)
• Gunung Bromo adalah gunung berapi paling aktif di Jawa Timur. (Mount Bromo is the most active volcano in East Java.)
• Film ini adalah film terbaik yang pernah saya tonton. (This movie is the best movie I have ever watched.)

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you use the superlative in Indonesian:

• Use "paling" to compare two or more things.
• Use "ter...di" to highlight the extreme quality of something.
• Pay attention to the context to determine which superlative to use.

Exercises

• Translate the following sentences into Indonesian:

1. She is the most beautiful girl in the school. 2. This is the most delicious food I have ever tasted. 3. The book is the best book I have ever read. 4. He is the most talented musician in the band.

Sources

• Indonesian Grammar - Comaratives and Superlatives
• Indonesian Comparative and Superlative - ielanguages.com

Table of Contents - Indonesian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Pronouns and Greetings

• Personal Pronouns
• Greetings and Introductions

  ---

Basic Grammar

• Word Order
• Indonesian Nouns
• Verbs in Indonesian

  ---

Daily Life

• Basic Phrases
• Numbers and Time
• Days, Months, and Seasons

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Sentence Structure

• Adjectives and Adverbs
• Questions and Answers
• Negation and Affirmation

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Indonesian Culture

• Indonesian Festivals
• Indonesian Food

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Travel and Transportation

• Transportation
• Directions

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Verb Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

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Shopping and Bargaining

• Basic Shopping Phrases
• Bargaining Strategies

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Indonesian Arts

• Indonesian Music
• Indonesian Dance

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Modal Verbs

• Can and Must
• May and Should

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Colors and Shapes

• Colors
• Shapes

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Comparative and Superlative

• Comparative
• Superlative

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Indonesian Traditions

• Indonesian Weddings
• Indonesian Batik

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Emergencies

• Medical Emergencies
• Natural Disasters

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Indirect and Direct Speech

• Direct Speech
• Indirect Speech

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Jobs and Professions

• Job Titles
• Workplaces

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Indonesian Holidays

• Indonesian Independence Day
• Idul Fitri

Related Lessons

• May and Should
• Plurals
• Adjectives
• Pronouns
• Can and Must
• Adjectives and Adverbs
• 0 to A1 Course
• Verbs in Indonesian
• Give your Opinion
• How to Use Be