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Questions & Answers about Kucing saya kecil.
Why is there no verb equivalent to “is” in the sentence "Kucing saya kecil"?
In Indonesian, a linking verb such as “is” is typically omitted in simple descriptive sentences. The sentence directly states the quality of the subject without requiring an extra word, so “Kucing saya kecil” naturally translates to “My cat is small.”
What is the literal word order of "Kucing saya kecil," and how does it compare to English?
The literal word order is “Cat my small.” In Indonesian, the possessive pronoun (“saya”) follows the noun (“kucing”) it modifies, unlike in English where it precedes the noun (my cat). Additionally, the adjective (“kecil”) comes at the end, functioning as the predicate without the need for a linking verb.
How is possession expressed in the sentence "Kucing saya kecil"?
Possession is indicated by placing the possessor directly after the noun. Here, “saya” literally follows “kucing”, so it conveys the meaning “my cat.” There is no additional marker needed (like an apostrophe-s in English) because the structure itself establishes the relationship between the noun and the possessor.
Why does the adjective “kecil” appear at the end of the sentence instead of immediately after “kucing”?
In Indonesian, adjectives used in a predicate role typically come at the end of the sentence. Although adjectives can sometimes directly modify a noun before it, in descriptive sentences like this one, placing “kecil” at the end conveys the idea that “My cat [is] small” without requiring an explicit linking verb. The entire phrase “Kucing saya” acts as the subject, and “kecil” completes the description.
Would adding a demonstrative like “itu” change the meaning or structure of the sentence?
Adding “itu” (resulting in “Kucing saya itu kecil”) serves to emphasize the particular cat being referred to, similar to saying “that cat of mine is small.” While it adds specificity, the fundamental structure and meaning remain the same. It is optional and depends on the speaker’s intent to emphasize which cat is meant.