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Questions & Answers about Semua kucing saya kecil.
Why is there no linking verb (such as “are”) in the sentence “Semua kucing saya kecil”?
In Indonesian, linking verbs like “is” or “are” are typically omitted in simple, descriptive sentences. The predicate adjective “kecil” follows the subject directly, and no additional verb is necessary to connect them.
How is possession expressed in “kucing saya” compared to its English equivalent “my cats”?
In Indonesian, possession is usually indicated by placing the possessor after the noun. In “kucing saya,” the noun “kucing” (cat/cats) comes before “saya” (my), which is different from English where the possessor appears before the noun.
What role does the word “semua” play in the sentence, and why is its position important?
“Semua” means “all” and functions as a quantifier that modifies the noun phrase “kucing saya.” It’s placed at the beginning of the noun phrase to indicate that every cat in the group is being referred to. Its position before the noun is typical in both Indonesian and English.
Why does the adjective “kecil” (small) appear at the end of the sentence rather than directly after the noun?
In Indonesian, descriptive adjectives generally follow the noun they describe. Although in English adjectives often come before the noun (as in “small cats”), in Indonesian the structure is reversed. Therefore, after stating “Semua kucing saya” (all my cats), the adjective “kecil” follows as a predicate adjective.
Does the noun “kucing” change form to indicate plurality in this sentence?
No, Indonesian nouns do not change form to mark the plural. “Kucing” can refer to a single cat or multiple cats. The word “semua” (all) clarifies that the sentence is referring to every cat belonging to the speaker, effectively conveying the plural sense.