Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Aturan perpustakaan berlaku untuk semua pengunjung.

Aturan means rule or rules. Indonesian nouns don’t mark number, so context tells you whether it’s singular or plural. If you want to emphasize plurality, you can say aturan-aturan, but it’s usually unnecessary.

What’s the difference between aturan and peraturan?

Both mean “rule(s)/regulation(s).” Peraturan (with per- -an) sounds a bit more formal/official, often used for written regulations. Aturan is slightly more general and common in speech; either is fine on signage.

How does Aturan perpustakaan work grammatically?

It’s a noun–noun construction: aturan (rules) modified by perpustakaan (library) = “library rules.” Indonesian often uses a bare noun after another noun to show possession or classification.

Could I say Aturan di perpustakaan instead? Does it change the nuance?

Yes. Aturan perpustakaan frames the rules as belonging to the library. Aturan di perpustakaan highlights the location (“rules at the library”), slightly looser and more situational. Both are acceptable.

What does berlaku mean, and what part of speech is it?

Berlaku is an intransitive verb meaning “to be in effect/apply/valid.” Typical collocations:

berlaku untuk/bagi (apply to/for)
berlaku sejak/mulai (effective since/from)
berlaku sampai/hingga (valid until)

How do I say “apply (implement) the rules” vs. “apply for (a job/membership)”?

Implement/apply (something): menerapkan (active), diterapkan (passive). Example: Perpustakaan menerapkan aturan baru.
Apply for: melamar (a job), or mengajukan permohonan (submit an application). Example: Saya melamar pekerjaan.

Why use untuk here? Can I use bagi or buat?

Untuk is the default “for/to” and fits well. Bagi is a bit more formal/literary but fine: berlaku bagi semua pengunjung. Buat is colloquial; you’d hear it in speech, not on a sign.

What’s the nuance between semua, seluruh, and para with pengunjung?

semua pengunjung = all visitors (neutral, common)
seluruh pengunjung = the entire set of visitors (slightly more collective/emphatic)
para pengunjung = visitors (plural humans, somewhat formal or address-like) Don’t combine para with semua (avoid para semua pengunjung).

Is pengunjung singular or plural? What’s its root?

Like most Indonesian nouns, pengunjung can be singular or plural. It comes from the root kunjung (visit). Related forms: mengunjungi (to visit something/someone), berkunjung (to pay a visit).

Do I need to mark plurality explicitly, like aturan-aturan or para pengunjung?

Not required. Context and words like semua already indicate plurality. Reduplication (aturan-aturan) or para is used when you want to stress plurality or in certain formal styles.

Can I drop the preposition and say berlaku semua pengunjung?

No. Berlaku needs a preposition before its target. Use berlaku untuk semua pengunjung or berlaku bagi semua pengunjung.

How do I express time: “already applies,” “will apply,” “applies starting today,” or “valid until…”?

Already applies: sudah berlaku
Will apply: akan berlaku
Starting today: berlaku mulai hari ini / berlaku sejak hari ini
Valid until Friday: berlaku sampai/hingga hari Jumat

What’s the difference between berlaku and sah?

Berlaku = in effect/valid (often with time or scope). Sah = legally valid/legitimate. A document can be sah (legally valid) and berlaku (currently in effect).

How do I say the rules are enforced or must be obeyed?

Enforced: Aturan perpustakaan ditegakkan.
Implemented: Aturan perpustakaan diterapkan.
Must be obeyed: Aturan perpustakaan harus dipatuhi. / Wajib dipatuhi.

How would I make “the library rules” specifically definite?

Add itu to mark definiteness: Aturan perpustakaan itu berlaku untuk semua pengunjung. Without itu, it can be generic or definite from context.

How is perpustakaan pronounced and syllabified?

Syllables: per-pus-ta-ka-an (5 syllables). The root is pustaka (book/literature) with per- and -an forming “library.” Indonesian stress is light and not phonemic; aim for even rhythm.