Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Topi hitam itu cocok dengan kacamata baru saya.

Itu is a demonstrative meaning “that,” and often functions like “the.” Placed after the noun phrase, it makes it specific: Topi hitam itu = “that/the black hat.” Without itu, it’s more generic.

Why is the adjective after the noun (why topi hitam, not hitam topi)?

In Indonesian, descriptive adjectives typically follow the noun: topi hitam, baju merah. A few words can precede (e.g., mantan, para, seorang), but colors like hitam come after.

Why use dengan after cocok? Can I say just cocok?

The usual pattern is cocok dengan [thing] for “matches/goes well with” another item. In casual speech, cocok sama is common. Without a preposition, you’d drop the complement altogether (Topi hitam itu cocok), but to link two items you need dengan/sama.

Is adalah needed here?

No. Cocok already functions as the predicate. Topi hitam itu adalah cocok … is ungrammatical. Use adalah mainly to equate two nouns (e.g., Andi adalah guru).

Is kacamata singular or plural?

Kacamata refers to a pair of glasses and is treated as one item. Indonesian doesn’t mark plural by default. To be explicit: sepasang kacamata (a pair), dua pasang kacamata (two pairs).

Why is saya at the end of kacamata baru saya? How do I say “my new glasses”?

Possessive pronouns usually follow the noun phrase: kacamata baru saya. Alternatives:

kacamataku (using the suffix -ku)
kacamata saya yang baru (see nuance below)

What’s the nuance between kacamata baru saya and kacamata saya yang baru?

Both mean “my new glasses.” Kacamata baru saya is the neutral attributive form. Kacamata saya yang baru highlights restriction/contrast: “my glasses—the ones that are new (perhaps among several).”

Can I drop itu? What changes?

Yes. Topi hitam cocok dengan kacamata baru saya sounds generic/indefinite (“a black hat” / “black hats in general”). Itu makes it about a specific hat.

How do I say “this black hat” or “those black hats”?

This: Topi hitam ini cocok dengan kacamata baru saya.
Those (plural): Topi-topi hitam itu cocok dengan kacamata baru saya. For one item, stick with topi hitam itu.

Is kacamata one word or two? I’ve seen kaca mata.

Standard modern spelling is one word: kacamata. The older two-word form is not used in current standard Indonesian.

Could I use other words instead of cocok?

Yes:

pas (dengan) — informal “fits/matches”
serasi (dengan) — more formal/elegant “harmonizes with”
klop (dengan/sama) — colloquial “goes perfectly with”

Can I use sama instead of dengan?

In casual speech, yes: Topi hitam itu cocok sama kacamata baru saya. In formal contexts, prefer dengan.

How do I show past or future time with this sentence?

Use time/aspect words (the verb doesn’t change):

Past: Tadi topi hitam itu (terlihat) cocok dengan kacamata baru saya.
Future: Topi hitam itu akan cocok dengan kacamata baru saya. / Nanti topi hitam itu cocok… (with context)

Is Itu topi hitam the same as Topi hitam itu?

No. Topi hitam itu = “that/the black hat” (demonstrative determiner). Itu topi hitam typically means “That is a black hat” (itu as a pronoun) or a topicalized “That one—the black hat…,” which is a different structure.

Any quick pronunciation tips?

c sounds like English “ch”: cocok → “cho-chok,” kacamata → “ka-cha-ma-ta.”
ng in dengan is a nasal sound; e is a schwa: “dǝng-an.”
Final k is often unreleased/glottal: cocok ends with a clipped stop.

How would I say “That black hat suits me”?

Use untuk/buat with a person: Topi hitam itu cocok untuk saya. In casual speech: Topi hitam itu pas buat saya.

Is kacamata saya baru okay?

Yes, but it’s a full clause meaning “my glasses are new.” Kacamata baru saya is a noun phrase “my new glasses,” which is what you need after dengan in the original sentence.