Questions & Answers about Menurut saya, terlambat lima menit itu wajar.
What does menurut saya literally mean, and is it natural to use?
Literally, menurut saya means “according to me.” While that phrasing sounds odd in English, it’s completely natural and common in Indonesian to introduce a personal opinion. It’s neutral and polite.
You’ll often see a comma after it: Menurut saya, … because speakers usually pause there. The comma isn’t “mandatory,” but it’s standard and helps readability.
How is menurut saya different from saya pikir, saya rasa, saya kira, or menurutku?
- menurut saya: “in my view/according to me,” neutral and polite; great in speech and writing.
- saya pikir: “I think” (reasoned thought/opinion); slightly more cognitive.
- saya rasa: “I feel/I think” (impression/intuition); a bit softer.
- saya kira: “I suppose/I guess” (tentative).
- menurutku: same as menurut saya but with aku/ku (more informal/intimate; avoid in formal settings).
What role does itu play in terlambat lima menit itu wajar? Can I drop it?
Itu here functions like a demonstrative/topic marker turning the preceding phrase into a clear subject: “That (thing)—being five minutes late—is normal.” It makes the sentence sound natural and complete.
- With itu: Menurut saya, terlambat lima menit itu wajar. (most natural)
- Without itu: Menurut saya, terlambat lima menit wajar. (understandable; a bit more clipped/informal) You generally can’t move itu to the front in this sentence.