Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Rumah baru itu sangat cantik.

In Indonesian, itu can function like a demonstrative to indicate that house. Placing itu after baru (instead of before rumah) is also common in natural Indonesian usage. It highlights that you're referring to a particular new house that has likely been mentioned before or is within context.

What is the difference between Rumah baru itu and Rumah itu baru?

Rumah baru itu means that new house, emphasizing that the house itself is new.
Rumah itu baru typically means that house is new, focusing on the house’s newness.
In the given sentence, the first option is used to introduce a specific new house and then describe it as very beautiful.

How do I know that cantik here is an adjective meaning beautiful and not something else?

In Indonesian, cantik typically means beautiful (often used for people or certain objects). Because this sentence is talking about a house, cantik here expresses that it looks aesthetically pleasing. Context helps differentiate its meaning: you usually wouldn’t use cantik to mean anything beyond lovely or beautiful.

Why is there no verb like "is" in the sentence?

In Indonesian, linking verbs like am, is, are are not always required. Instead, you can place the adjective right after the noun phrase. So Rumah baru itu sangat cantik literally reads as That new house very beautiful, which in English translates to That new house is very beautiful.

Can I say Rumah baru itu cantik sekali instead?

Yes, you can. Sangat and sekali both mean very, although their placements differ. Cantik sekali is just as common and also translates to very beautiful. Both variations are correct and natural in everyday Indonesian usage.