Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Menurut saya, pilihan jadwal pagi adalah yang paling cocok. - In my opinion, the morning schedule option is the most suitable.

Menurut saya = “according to me.” Neutral–slightly formal and polite; common in writing and meetings.
Saya pikir = “I think.” More cognitive; neutral–informal.
Saya rasa = “I feel/I think.” Softer, feeling-based.
Saya kira = “I suppose/I guess.” Tentative.
Bagi/Buat saya = “for me (personally).” Emphasizes personal relevance or suitability.
Informal variant: menurutku (with aku), or Jakarta slang menurut gue. All can fit; pick one based on tone and the nuance you want.

Do I need the comma after menurut saya?

In writing, yes—it sets off the introductory phrase. In speech, it’s just a brief pause. You can also put it at the end: Jadwal pagi adalah yang paling cocok, menurut saya.

Is adalah required here?

No. Indonesian often omits a copula with adjective predicates.

Natural without copula: Menurut saya, pilihan jadwal pagi paling cocok.
If you use adalah, follow it with a noun-like phrase. Hence: … adalah yang paling cocok (because yang nominalizes the adjective).
Avoid: … adalah paling cocok. (unnatural)

Why is yang used before paling cocok?

Yang turns the adjective phrase into a noun-like phrase: yang paling cocok ≈ “the one that is most suitable.” This lets it appear after adalah. If you drop adalah, you typically drop yang too and just say paling cocok.

Can I say Menurut saya, pilihan jadwal pagi adalah paling cocok?

No. Adalah does not normally precede a bare adjective phrase. Use one of:

Menurut saya, pilihan jadwal pagi paling cocok.
Menurut saya, pilihan jadwal pagi adalah yang paling cocok.

What exactly does pilihan jadwal pagi mean? Could this be rephrased?

The head noun is pilihan (choice/option), and jadwal pagi (morning schedule) specifies what the choice is about. It can mean:

the morning-schedule option (one of the options is “morning”), or
the choice/decision to take a morning schedule. Many speakers prefer clearer wording:
Menurut saya, pilihan yang paling cocok adalah jadwal pagi.
Menurut saya, jadwal pagi adalah pilihan yang paling cocok.

Is jadwal pagi the same as pagi hari, di pagi hari, or pagi-pagi?

jadwal pagi = morning schedule (neutral).
pagi hari = morning (slightly formal).
di pagi hari = “in the morning” (more explicit/formal).
pagi-pagi = very early morning; jadwal pagi-pagi implies an early-morning slot.

How do I say “more” vs “most” with cocok?

Comparative: lebih cocok. Example: Menurut saya, jadwal pagi lebih cocok daripada jadwal siang.
Superlative: paling cocok or yang paling cocok. Example: Menurut saya, jadwal pagi adalah yang paling cocok.

Can I use ter- for the superlative here, like tercocok?

No. ter- forms superlatives with some adjectives (terbaik, terbesar), but not with cocok. Tercocok exists with a different meaning (“accidentally pricked”). Use (yang) paling cocok or the synonym (yang) paling sesuai.

What’s the difference between cocok and sesuai (dengan)?

cocok = fits/matches/suitable; neutral–colloquial. No preposition needed, but you’ll hear: cocok untuk/buat saya.
sesuai = in accordance/appropriate; a bit more formal, often with a preposition: sesuai dengan kebutuhan, paling sesuai untuk tim. Both are fine here: … adalah yang paling cocok/sesuai.

Is menurut saya about opinion, or about personal suitability? How do I say “for me, the morning schedule is the most suitable”?

Menurut saya frames an opinion.
To highlight personal fit, use buat saya or bagi saya:
- Buat/Bagi saya, jadwal pagi paling cocok. You can also combine in speech: Menurut saya, jadwal pagi paling cocok buat saya.

How do I mark “the” vs “a/an” in pilihan jadwal pagi?

Indonesian doesn’t use articles. Context handles definiteness.

Definite: add itu/ini → pilihan jadwal pagi itu.
Indefinite: you can use sebuah or satu → sebuah pilihan jadwal pagi, but it’s often unnecessary.

Are there alternative word orders that sound natural?

Yes:

Menurut saya, jadwal pagi paling cocok. (concise, conversational)
Menurut saya, jadwal pagi adalah yang paling cocok. (more formal)
Menurut saya, pilihan yang paling cocok adalah jadwal pagi. (focus on the “choice”) Pick the one that matches your emphasis and formality.

Do I need to mark plural for jadwal?

No. Jadwal can mean “schedule” or “schedules.” Use markers only if needed:

Reduplication: jadwal-jadwal pagi
Quantifiers: beberapa/banyak jadwal pagi

Can I use merupakan or ialah instead of adalah?

merupakan (formal “constitutes”) works with noun phrases: Jadwal pagi merupakan pilihan yang paling cocok. With an adjective phrase, keep yang: … merupakan yang paling cocok.
ialah is also a copular form used mostly with noun phrases in formal writing: Jadwal pagi ialah pilihan yang paling cocok. Avoid placing any of these directly before a bare adjective phrase (e.g., … adalah/ialah/merupakan paling cocok).