Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Saya malu karena datang terlambat. - I am embarrassed because I arrived late.

Indonesian doesn’t use a copula (a “to be” verb) before adjectives used as predicates. Adjectives can directly function as the predicate: Saya malu = I am embarrassed/shy. You only use adalah before nouns, not adjectives (e.g., Dia adalah dokter).

Does malu mean “embarrassed” or “shy”?

Both, depending on context. In this sentence it’s “embarrassed/ashamed,” because a reason follows with karena. In other contexts, malu can mean “shy” or “too shy/embarrassed to do something (e.g., Saya malu bertanya = I’m shy/embarrassed to ask).

Do I need to repeat the subject in the because-clause? Is Saya malu karena saya datang terlambat okay?

Repeating saya is grammatically fine, but Indonesian typically drops the subject in the subordinate clause if it’s the same as the main clause: Saya malu karena datang terlambat. You must include a subject if it’s different: Saya malu karena dia datang terlambat.

Why is the subject omitted in karena datang terlambat? How do I know who it refers to?

Indonesian commonly drops the subject in the subordinate clause when it is understood to be the same as the main clause’s subject. Here, it defaults to saya. If you need a different subject, specify it.

Is datang necessary? Can I say Saya malu karena terlambat?

Yes, you can omit datang. Terlambat alone already means “late,” so Saya malu karena terlambat is natural. Datang terlambat explicitly frames it as “arrive late,” which can be slightly more specific.

What’s the difference between datang terlambat and terlambat datang?

The default, neutral order is verb + manner: datang terlambat. Terlambat datang can occur for emphasis or in certain structures (e.g., yang terlambat datang = the one(s) who came late), but as a plain statement datang terlambat is more common.

What’s the difference between terlambat and telat?

They mean the same thing. Terlambat is neutral/standard; telat is informal/colloquial (very common in speech). In casual speech you’ll hear telat banget; in writing or formal contexts prefer terlambat.

Could I use other verbs like tiba, sampai, or hadir instead of datang?

Tiba and sampai mean “arrive/reach” and can replace datang in many contexts: tiba terlambat / sampai terlambat.
Hadir means “be present/attend” (more formal): Saya malu karena hadir terlambat is grammatical in formal contexts, but sounds stiff in everyday speech.

Can I start the sentence with karena?

Yes: Karena (saya) datang terlambat, saya malu. When the because-clause comes first, put a comma after it. This order foregrounds the reason.

Do I need a comma before karena in the middle position?

No. Standard practice is no comma when the karena-clause follows the main clause: Saya malu karena… Use a comma only when the karena-clause comes first: Karena…, saya…

Can I use gara-gara, sebab, or soalnya instead of karena?

Gara-gara is informal and often used for negative/unfortunate causes: Saya malu gara-gara telat.
Sebab is more formal/literary.
Soalnya is very conversational (“the reason is”): Saya malu, soalnya telat.
Karena is the safest neutral choice.

Is Saya malu bahwa saya datang terlambat correct?

It’s grammatical but unnatural. Bahwa introduces reported clauses (that-clauses) rather than reasons. Use karena for “because”: Saya malu karena (saya) datang terlambat.

How can I intensify malu?

Formal/neutral: sangat malu, malu sekali.
Informal: malu banget.
Placement: sangat goes before the adjective; sekali/banget go after it (e.g., Saya malu sekali karena telat).

What’s a more natural way to apologize in real life?

People usually apologize directly: Maaf, saya terlambat or informal Maaf ya, aku telat. In formal settings: Mohon maaf, saya datang terlambat. You can add a reason after that if needed.

How do I say “late by 10 minutes”?

Use a duration right after terlambat/telat: terlambat 10 menit or telat sepuluh menit. You don’t need selama here.

What’s the difference between terlambat, kesiangan, and ketinggalan?

Terlambat/telat = late.
Kesiangan = overslept/woke up late (usually morning).
Ketinggalan = missed/left behind (e.g., ketinggalan bus = missed the bus).
Examples: Saya telat karena kesiangan; Saya telat karena ketinggalan kereta.

Is kerana acceptable spelling?

Kerana is Malaysian. Standard Indonesian uses karena. You may see karna/krn in texting, but avoid them in writing.

Should I use saya, aku, or gue here? Can I mix them?

Choose based on formality and keep it consistent. Saya (formal/neutral), aku (casual/intimate), gue/gua (Jakarta slang). Don’t mix within the same sentence: avoid Saya malu karena aku datang terlambat.

How do I say “I’m not embarrassed about being late”?

Put tidak before the adjective: Saya tidak malu karena terlambat or Saya tidak malu datang terlambat. If you want “at all,” add sama sekali: Saya tidak malu sama sekali.

What’s the difference between malu and memalukan?

Malu describes a person’s feeling (embarrassed/shy): Saya malu.
Memalukan describes something as embarrassing/shameful: Datang terlambat itu memalukan. You can combine them: Saya malu; ini memalukan.

How do I indicate past time (e.g., “I was embarrassed because I arrived late earlier”)?

Indonesian doesn’t mark tense; use time words. For past: tadi/barusan/kemarin; for future: nanti/besok. Example: Tadi saya malu karena telat datang.