Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Dia jelas lelah setelah bekerja. - He/She is clearly tired after working.

In this sentence, jelas functions like an adverb meaning obviously or clearly, modifying the adjective lelah (tired). Many Indonesian words can serve as both adjectives and adverbs depending on context.

Why is there no word for “is” between dia and jelas?

Indonesian usually omits the copula (to be) in simple statements. You don’t need adalah or any equivalent. Saying Dia jelas lelah is perfectly natural; inserting adalah would sound overly formal or even awkward here.

What does setelah do? Why is the subject missing in setelah bekerja?

Setelah means after and introduces a time clause. If the subject of that clause is the same as the main clause’s subject, you can drop it. So setelah bekerja implies “after he/she worked” without repeating dia.

Can I start the sentence with setelah bekerja instead?

Yes. You can say Setelah bekerja, dia jelas lelah. Indonesian allows flexible word order for adverbial phrases at the beginning or end.

Could I use a different word instead of setelah, like habis?

Yes. In informal speech, habis can replace setelah: Dia jelas lelah habis bekerja. Note that habis sounds more casual, while setelah is neutral.

Is there a synonym for jelas in this context?

You might use ternyata if you want to express “it turns out” or emphasize discovery: Dia ternyata lelah setelah bekerja. But ternyata suggests you didn’t expect it, whereas jelas simply states it’s obvious.

Can I place jelas in other positions?

Yes. For emphasis you can front it: Jelas dia lelah setelah bekerja. However, the most common placement is between the subject and adjective: Dia jelas lelah…