Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Pelayanan di kantor pos sangat baik. - The service at the post office is very good.

pelayanan is a noun formed by adding the suffix -an to the verb melayani (to serve). It refers to the act or process of serving, i.e. “service.”

What does di indicate in di kantor pos?

di is a preposition meaning at or in. When placed before kantor pos (post office), di kantor pos means at the post office, showing location.

Why is there no word for “is” in the Indonesian sentence?

Indonesian typically omits the copula in present-tense descriptive clauses. Instead of saying Pelayanan di kantor pos adalah sangat baik, you simply say Pelayanan di kantor pos sangat baik.

How does sangat function in this sentence?

sangat is an adverb meaning very. It intensifies the adjective baik, so sangat baik translates as very good.

Why is baik placed after the noun phrase instead of before, as in English “good service”?

Here, sangat baik functions as the predicate, not as an adjective within the same noun phrase. The overall structure is Subject (Pelayanan di kantor pos) + Predicate (sangat baik). Indonesian adjectives in predicate position follow the subject.

Can I move di kantor pos to the end (e.g., Pelayanan sangat baik di kantor pos)?

While this is understandable, the most natural and common word order is Subject – Location – Predicate: Pelayanan di kantor pos sangat baik. Putting di kantor pos at the end can sound less smooth.

Why aren’t there plural markers on pelayanan or kantor pos?

Indonesian nouns generally do not change form for plural. Context tells you if something is singular or plural. pelayanan can mean “service” in general, and kantor pos refers to “post office” without needing an explicit plural marker.

Is there a difference between pelayanan and layanan?

Both mean “service.” layanan (from layani) tends to refer to the service itself (e.g., customer service), while pelayanan (from melayani) emphasizes the act or process of serving. In everyday use they’re largely interchangeable.