Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Itu kalimat pendek.

Itu here functions like "that" in English. It points to something specific, though in this context, it may not always refer to a physically distant object. Often, itu can be used to draw attention to what follows.

Why is kalimat not plural, even though we are talking about "a sentence"?

In Indonesian, nouns remain the same whether they are singular or plural. Context usually clarifies whether something is singular or plural. Kalimat can mean "sentence" or "sentences" depending on the overall context.

Can I switch the word order, like "Kalimat itu pendek"?

Yes, you can say "Kalimat itu pendek," which more literally means "That sentence is short." Both "Itu kalimat pendek" and "Kalimat itu pendek" are grammatically valid. However, the usual structure for describing a noun is often noun + descriptor, so "Kalimat itu pendek" sounds slightly more natural.

What's the difference between using itu and ini?

Ini generally means "this" and is used for things that are close by or just mentioned, while itu means "that" and is for things that are farther away or already established in context. They’re both demonstrative pronouns, but context often determines which to use.

What other words can I use instead of pendek for "short"?

You might use words like singkat (short in terms of time or content length) or ringkas (concise, succinct). However, pendek is most commonly used for physical or literal shortness, including short sentences.