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Dompet itu mahal karena terbuat dari kulit asli.

Dompet itu mahal karena terbuat dari kulit asli.
That wallet is expensive because it is made of genuine leather.
FromLesson 6inHardcore Indonesian
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Questions & Answers about Dompet itu mahal karena terbuat dari kulit asli.

What does dompet itu mean, and why is itu placed after dompet?

dompet = wallet
itu = that
In Indonesian, demonstrative pronouns (like “this,” “that”) follow the noun. So dompet itu literally is “wallet that,” i.e. “that wallet.”

Why is there no “is” (copula) in dompet itu mahal?

Indonesian typically omits the verb “to be” in simple adjective predicates. The structure is simply:
Subject + Adjective
Therefore dompet itu mahal directly means “that wallet is expensive” without needing an extra “is.”

What does mahal mean, and can it function like a verb?
mahal means “expensive.” In Indonesian, adjectives can serve as predicates by themselves, so you don’t need a separate verb for “to be expensive.” You simply place mahal after the subject.
What does karena mean, and are there alternatives for expressing “because”?

karena = “because.”
Alternatives include:

  • sebab (more formal)
  • The paired structure karena … maka … to show cause and effect explicitly
What does terbuat dari mean, and how does the prefix ter- work here?

terbuat dari = “is made of.”
Breakdown:

  • buat = make/do
  • ter- prefix: forms an intransitive passive, focusing on the result or material
  • dari = from/of, introduces the material
What’s the difference between terbuat dari and dibuat dari?
  • terbuat dari (intransitive passive)
    • Emphasizes the material itself
    • Example: Meja ini terbuat dari kayu – “This table is made of wood.”
  • dibuat dari (transitive passive)
    • Can mention the agent (maker)
    • Example: Meja ini dibuat oleh tukang kayu dari kayu – “This table was made by a carpenter from wood.”
What does kulit asli mean, and why does asli follow kulit?

kulit = leather
asli = genuine/original/authentic
In Indonesian, adjectives typically come after the noun. So kulit asli means “genuine leather,” implying it’s not fake or synthetic.

Can we drop dari and say terbuat kulit asli?
No. terbuat dari is a fixed combination meaning “made of.” The preposition dari is required to introduce the material; omitting it would be ungrammatical.

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