Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Mereka menolak harga itu karena terlalu mahal. - They refuse that price because it is too expensive.

The base verb is tolak (to refuse/reject). Adding the active transitive prefix meN- gives menolak. With a base starting in t, the t drops and the prefix becomes men-: tolak → menolak. This form typically takes a direct object (what is being refused).

Can menolak be used without an explicit object?

Yes. If the object is obvious from context, you can omit it: Dia menolak. In careful writing, including the object is clearer, but conversationally it’s fine to leave it out.

How do I say this in the passive voice?

Two common options:

Harga itu ditolak (oleh mereka) karena terlalu mahal. (di- passive; the agent with oleh is optional)
Harga itu mereka tolak karena terlalu mahal. (so-called “passive 2”/object fronting with a bare verb)

Is saying menolak harga idiomatic, or should I say something else?

It’s understandable and used, especially in marketplace contexts. Many speakers prefer to reject the offer rather than “the price,” e.g.:

More idiomatic: Mereka menolak tawaran itu karena harganya terlalu mahal.
Also common: Mereka tidak menerima penawaran itu.

Why is itu placed after harga?

In Indonesian, demonstratives come after the noun:

harga itu = that price/the price (already known)
harga ini = this price A more formal alternative is harga tersebut (“the aforementioned price”).

What’s the difference between harga itu and harganya?

harga itu points to a specific, previously mentioned price (“that/the price”).
harganya can mean “its price” or “the price” (definite), using the suffix -nya. It’s very natural in reasons: karena harganya terlalu mahal.

Is karena terlalu mahal complete even without an explicit subject?

Yes. Indonesian often uses elliptical reason clauses. karena terlalu mahal is understood as “because it’s too expensive.” To be explicit, say karena harganya terlalu mahal or karena harganya terlalu tinggi.

What’s the nuance difference between terlalu mahal, sangat mahal/mahal sekali, and kemahalan?

terlalu mahal = too expensive (excessive, beyond acceptable)
sangat mahal / mahal sekali = very expensive (strong, but not necessarily unacceptable)
kemahalan = overpriced/too expensive (often colloquial): Harganya kemahalan.

Can karena go at the beginning of the sentence?

Yes: Karena terlalu mahal, mereka menolak harga itu. In writing, use a comma after the reason clause. Both orders are fine.

How can I say this more politely in a negotiation?

Softer options:

Maaf, harganya agak/terlalu tinggi, jadi kami belum bisa setuju.
Sepertinya di luar anggaran kami.
Boleh kurang? Bisa nego? (colloquial bargaining)

How do I show past or future time? There’s no tense marking here.

Indonesian uses time words and aspect markers:

Past/completed: Mereka sudah/telah menolak harga itu.
Future/intended: Mereka akan menolak harga itu.
Add time adverbs: kemarin, tadi, besok, nanti, etc.

What’s the difference between karena, sebab, and soalnya?

All can mean “because,” but:

karena is the default, neutral conjunction.
sebab is a bit more formal/literary.
soalnya is colloquial (“the thing is…”): Mereka menolak; soalnya terlalu mahal.

What’s the difference between harga, biaya, and ongkos?

harga = price/asking price (e.g., harga tiket)
biaya = cost/expense (e.g., biaya kuliah)
ongkos = fare/wage/transport cost (colloquial; e.g., ongkos taksi)

How does menawar relate to this? Is it different from menolak?

Yes. menawar = to bargain/negotiate the price, while menolak = to refuse/decline. You might try to menawar first; if it fails, you menolak the offer:

Kami sudah menawar, tetapi akhirnya menolak.

Can I say harga yang terlalu mahal itu?

Yes: Mereka menolak harga yang terlalu mahal itu. Using yang makes it a noun phrase “the price that is too expensive,” adding emphasis to the price’s property.

What’s a concise, natural variant?

Mereka menolak karena terlalu mahal. The object is omitted because it’s clear from context; this is common in conversation.