Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Mereka menikmati waktu luang di taman.

Menikmati is an active transitive verb meaning “to enjoy.” It comes from the root nikmat (“pleasure,” “delight”) with the prefix me- (to form an active verb) and the suffix -i (to indicate a verb that takes an object).

Why is there no article like the or a before waktu luang or taman?

Indonesian does not use articles. Nouns stand alone, and whether they are definite or indefinite is inferred from context or additional words (e.g., ini “this,” semua “all,” etc.). So taman can mean “a park,” “the park,” or simply “park” depending on context.

What does waktu luang mean, and why are there two words?

Waktu means “time,” and luang means “free” or “spare.” Together waktu luang is a fixed expression for “free time” or “leisure time.” The two words function as a compound noun.

Why is di used before taman instead of ke?

In Indonesian, di marks a location where an action takes place (in/at). Ke marks motion toward a place (to). Since they are enjoying their free time in the park, you use di taman.

What is the basic word order in this sentence?

The order is Subject–Verb–Object–Adverbial:
Subject = Mereka (“They”)
Verb = menikmati (“enjoy”)
Object = waktu luang (“free time”)
Adverbial phrase of place = di taman (“in the park”)

How is tense expressed here? Is menikmati a present‐tense form?

Indonesian verbs are not inflected for tense. Menikmati is the unmarked or “bare” form and can be present, habitual, or future depending on context. If you need emphasis, you can add time markers (e.g., sekarang “now,” kemarin “yesterday”).

Can you omit mereka and just say Menikmati waktu luang di taman?

Yes, if the subject is clear from context. Indonesian frequently drops pronouns when they’re understood. However, in isolation, Mereka makes clear that they (not “we” or “you”) are enjoying the leisure.

Why isn’t taman pluralized with a marker (like “parks”)?

Plurality in Indonesian is often understood from context and doesn’t require a suffix. You could say taman-taman to explicitly mean “parks,” but taman alone can mean “park” or “parks” in a general sense.

How would you say “They are enjoying free time in the park” to emphasize that it’s happening right now?

Insert the aspect word sedang before the verb:
Mereka sedang menikmati waktu luang di taman.
Indonesian uses sedang (or similar markers) rather than verb conjugation to show progressive aspect.