Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Dokumen penting itu sudah disimpan di lemari khusus, dan hanya bisa dibuka oleh petugas. - Those important documents have already been stored in a special cupboard, and can only be opened by the staff.

Q: What does the word sudah indicate in this sentence?

In Indonesian, sudah means “already.” It shows that the action of storing the document has been completed.

Q: How is the passive voice constructed with disimpan and dibuka in this sentence?

Both verbs use the prefix di- to form the passive voice. Disimpan means “stored,” and dibuka means “opened.” In the case of dibuka, the sentence further specifies the agent with oleh petugas (“by the staff”), highlighting who is permitted to open it.

Q: What is the function of the word itu in Dokumen penting itu?

The word itu functions similarly to “that” in English. It specifies a particular important document, indicating that it is a specific one—likely one mentioned before or known in context.

Q: What does the phrase lemari khusus mean, and why is it used?

Lemari translates to “cabinet” or “closet,” and khusus means “special” or “designated.” The phrase di lemari khusus implies that the document is stored in a dedicated cabinet reserved for important or sensitive items, emphasizing its significance and the need for secure storage.

Q: How does the phrase hanya bisa dibuka oleh petugas restrict access to the document?

The word hanya means “only,” setting an exclusive condition. Combined with bisa dibuka (“can be opened”), and the agent oleh petugas (“by the staff”), it clearly restricts the action to authorized personnel only. This construction emphasizes the controlled access to the document.

Dokumen penting itu sudah disimpan di lemari khusus, dan hanya bisa dibuka oleh petugas.

Those important documents have already been stored in a special cupboard, and can only be opened by the staff.

FromLesson 5inHardcore Indonesian

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Breakdown of Dokumen penting itu sudah disimpan di lemari khusus, dan hanya bisa dibuka oleh petugas.

Questions & Answers about Dokumen penting itu sudah disimpan di lemari khusus, dan hanya bisa dibuka oleh petugas.

What does the word sudah indicate in this sentence?

In Indonesian, sudah means “already.” It shows that the action of storing the document has been completed.

How is the passive voice constructed with disimpan and dibuka in this sentence?

Both verbs use the prefix di- to form the passive voice. Disimpan means “stored,” and dibuka means “opened.” In the case of dibuka, the sentence further specifies the agent with oleh petugas (“by the staff”), highlighting who is permitted to open it.

What is the function of the word itu in Dokumen penting itu?

The word itu functions similarly to “that” in English. It specifies a particular important document, indicating that it is a specific one—likely one mentioned before or known in context.

What does the phrase lemari khusus mean, and why is it used?

Lemari translates to “cabinet” or “closet,” and khusus means “special” or “designated.” The phrase di lemari khusus implies that the document is stored in a dedicated cabinet reserved for important or sensitive items, emphasizing its significance and the need for secure storage.

How does the phrase hanya bisa dibuka oleh petugas restrict access to the document?

The word hanya means “only,” setting an exclusive condition. Combined with bisa dibuka (“can be opened”), and the agent oleh petugas (“by the staff”), it clearly restricts the action to authorized personnel only. This construction emphasizes the controlled access to the document.

Why might Indonesian speakers choose to use a passive construction in a sentence like this?

Using the passive voice places emphasis on the state or condition of the document itself, rather than on the doer of the action. It highlights that the document is already securely stored and that its access is limited, which can be particularly important when discussing security or official protocols.

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