Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Itu anjing saya.

Itu means that, referring to something at a slight distance or something the speakers have already been talking about. Ini means this, referring to something close to the speaker. In Itu anjing saya, we’re indicating the dog that is likely not right next to the speaker, or we’re pointing out a specific dog in a context where both speakers already know which dog is being referred to.

Can saya be placed differently in the sentence?

Yes, in Indonesian you could say Anjing itu milik saya (which literally means That dog belongs to me). However, Itu anjing saya is more direct and conversationally more common. Indonesian word order is flexible, but the most natural form for a short sentence like this is often Itu anjing saya.

Can you use aku instead of saya?

Aku and saya both mean I or me, but aku is more informal or intimate. If you’re speaking with close friends or family, you can say Itu anjing aku. In more formal or polite contexts, saya is preferred, so Itu anjing saya is the safer, more general choice.

Why is there no verb in this sentence?

In Indonesian, a linking verb like is (in English) is often omitted. Instead, you can link the subject and predicate directly, so literally translates to , which captures the meaning without needing a separate verb.