Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Saya akan memasak hidangan enak nanti malam.

Akan is the particle used to indicate the future tense in Indonesian. It doesn’t change form for person or number. In this sentence, akan simply shows that the action of cooking will happen later, not now.

Why is the verb memasak not conjugated differently for “I”?

Indonesian verbs are not conjugated for person, number, or tense. Instead, tense is shown by context or by adding time markers like akan (future) or sedang (progressive). The root masak takes the prefix me- to become memasak, turning it into the verb “to cook,” but it stays the same regardless of who’s doing the cooking.

What role does the prefix me- play in memasak?

The prefix me- (with its variations like mem-, men-, meng-) is an active verb-forming affix. When you attach it to a root word (in this case, masak), you get an active verb: “to cook.” Without me-, masak can be a noun or an adjective meaning “cooked” or “cooking,” depending on context.

Why does the adjective enak come after hidangan instead of before it?

In Indonesian, descriptive adjectives usually follow the noun they modify. So you say hidangan enak (literally “dish delicious”) rather than enak hidangan. This order is standard for most adjectives: rumah besar (big house), film menarik (interesting movie), etc.

Could I say Saya akan masak hidangan enak nanti malam instead of memasak?

Yes, in casual speech many speakers drop the verb prefix and say masak. So Saya akan masak hidangan enak nanti malam is understood perfectly. But in formal or written Indonesian, using memasak (with the prefix) is more standard.

What is the difference between nanti malam and malam nanti?

Both phrases mean “later this evening” or “tonight.”

Nanti malam is slightly more formal or neutral.
Malam nanti is common in spoken Indonesian and can sound a bit more colloquial.
You can use either without changing the meaning.

Do I need a preposition like “for” before hidangan (dish) in Indonesian?

No. Indonesian does not require a preposition between memasak and its direct object. You simply say memasak hidangan (“cook [a] dish”). If you wanted to say “cook for someone,” you could add untuk: e.g. Saya akan memasak hidangan enak untuk tamu nanti malam (“I will cook a tasty dish for guests tonight”).

Can I drop Saya and just say Akan memasak hidangan enak nanti malam?

Yes, especially in spoken or informal contexts you can omit the subject because Indonesian allows subject dropping when the meaning remains clear. However, starting with Saya is perfectly fine and often clearer for learners.

Why is hidangan used here instead of makanan?

Both hidangan and makanan can mean “food” or “dish.”

Makanan is the more general term for any kind of food.
Hidangan often emphasizes the prepared or served aspect, like something presented on the table.
You could say masak makanan enak and still be correct, but hidangan enak sounds a bit more “dining” or “meal”–focused.