Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Murid-murid membawa perlengkapan sekolah ke kelas. - Students bring school equipment to class.

murid means “student.” In Indonesian, repeating a noun (reduplication) makes it an indefinite plural, so murid-murid means “students” (more than one) without specifying exactly how many.

Could you use a different way to say “the students”?

Yes. Instead of reduplication, you can use a quantifier or demonstrative: for example para murid (the students in a formal/contextual sense) or semua murid (all the students).

What is membawa, and how is it formed?

membawa is a verb meaning “to bring.” It’s formed by adding the active prefix meN- to the root bawa (“carry/bring”). The prefix changes with phonological rules (b → memb-).

Why isn’t there an article like “the” or “a” in this sentence?

Indonesian does not have articles. Nouns can stand alone without the/a. Context or quantifiers (like ini, itu, semua) tell you more if needed.

What does perlengkapan mean, and why is it singular?

perlengkapan means “equipment” or “supplies.” It’s a collective/uncountable noun, so you don’t pluralize it. It already refers to a set of items as one concept.

How do you say “school supplies”?

You can say perlengkapan sekolah, literally “equipment of school.” In Indonesian, the modifier comes after the head noun.

What role does ke play here?

ke is the preposition “to.” It marks direction or destination.

Why is it ke kelas and not di kelas?

ke kelas (to class) indicates movement toward the class.
di kelas (in class) indicates location or position, not movement.

How would you make this sentence past or future tense?

To express future, insert akan before the verb:
Murid-murid akan membawa perlengkapan sekolah ke kelas.
For past (already done), insert sudah or telah:
Murid-murid sudah membawa perlengkapan sekolah ke kelas.