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Questions & Answers about Dua acara malam ini bentrok.
What part of speech is the word in bold bentrok here?
Bentrok functions as an intransitive verb meaning “to clash/conflict (in schedule/time).” Indonesian predicates don’t need a copula, so Dua acara … bentrok literally means “Two events clash.”
Do I need to add dengan (with), like bentrok dengan?
Not when the subject already contains both parties (as in Dua acara … bentrok). Use bentrok dengan when you specify what something conflicts with:
- Acara konser bentrok dengan rapat. = The concert conflicts with the meeting.
Can I say berbentrok?
No. The natural verb is bentrok (without a prefix). The related noun is bentrokan (“a clash”), e.g., terjadi bentrokan (“a clash occurred”), but for schedule conflicts you usually keep the verb bentrok.
Can malam ini be placed elsewhere?
Yes. Time expressions are flexible:
- Dua acara malam ini bentrok.
- Dua acara bentrok malam ini.
- Malam ini dua acara bentrok. All are acceptable; the first slightly highlights “tonight’s events,” the second emphasizes the time of the clash, the third foregrounds the time.
Is ini malam correct for “tonight”?
Use malam ini for “tonight.” Ini malam would be understood as “this is night,” not a time adverbial.
What’s the difference between malam ini and nanti malam?
Both mean “tonight,” but nanti malam (“later tonight”) is what people commonly say earlier in the day. Malam ini is neutral and fine at any time; tadi malam means “last night.”
Why isn’t there a plural marker like acara-acara?
Indonesian doesn’t mark plural with endings. A numeral already implies plurality, so you say dua acara, not dua acara-acara. Reduplication (acara-acara) is used for an unspecified plural, not with numerals.
Do I need a classifier like buah (e.g., dua buah acara)?
No. Dua acara is natural. Dua buah acara is possible but sounds unnecessary; buah is a general classifier and is often omitted with nouns like acara.
Does acara mean an event or a TV show?
Both, depending on context. Acara can be a scheduled event (meeting, ceremony, concert) or a program/show (TV/radio). Malam ini could make you think of TV listings or an evening schedule—context decides.
Is bentrok informal? What are more neutral or formal alternatives?
Bentrok is common and neutral in everyday speech and writing. Alternatives:
- berbenturan (more formal/literary, “in conflict”)
- tumpang tindih (overlap, not necessarily a conflict)
- berbarengan / bersamaan (at the same time; neutral, not inherently conflicting)
- With “schedule”: jadwalnya bentrok/berbenturan/bersamaan.
If I just want “Two events happen at the same time” (without implying a problem), what should I say?
Use a non-conflictive option:
- Dua acara berlangsung bersamaan.
- Dua acara berlangsung berbarengan.
How do I say “There are two events tonight that clash”?
Use the existential pattern with a relative clause:
- Ada dua acara malam ini yang bentrok. Here yang introduces the clause describing the two events.
How do I say “Two of tonight’s events clash (out of several)”?
Make the “subset” explicit:
- Dua dari acara-acara malam ini bentrok.
- Dua di antara acara-acara malam ini bentrok.
How do I refer to specific, known events (“the two events”)?
Attach the demonstrative after the noun phrase:
- Dua acara itu bentrok malam ini. = The two events (we both know about) clash tonight.
Can I make the schedule the subject?
Yes:
- Jadwal dua acara itu bentrok.
- Jam tayangnya bentrok. (for broadcast times)
Does bentrok only apply to schedules?
No. It can also describe clashes between groups (sometimes violent). The noun bentrokan often refers to “clashes” in the news. For schedules, stick with bentrok (verb) or talk about konflik/bentrok jadwal.