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Breakdown of Di perpustakaan dilarang merokok.
di
in
perpustakaan
the library
dilarang
to be prohibited
merokok
to smoke
Questions & Answers about Di perpustakaan dilarang merokok.
What does the preposition di mean here, and how is it different from ke and dalam/di dalam?
- di marks location: at/in/on (static position).
- ke marks movement toward a place: to.
- dalam means inside; di dalam emphasizes being inside, not just at or near.
So di perpustakaan = at/in the library; ke perpustakaan = to the library; di dalam perpustakaan = inside the library.
What exactly does perpustakaan mean? Is there a pattern?
- Root: pustaka (book, literature).
- Circumfix per- -an makes a place noun: perpustakaan = place of books (library). This per- -an pattern often forms “place of X” nouns.
Why is there no the before perpustakaan?
Indonesian has no articles. di perpustakaan can mean in the/a library depending on context. To specify, add a determiner:
- di perpustakaan itu = in that/the library
- di perpustakaan ini = in this library Or name it: di Perpustakaan Kota.
What does dilarang mean and how is it formed?
- Root: larang (forbid/prohibit).
- Passive prefix di- → dilarang = is/are prohibited. Related forms:
- melarang (active) = to forbid.
- larangan (noun) = a prohibition.
Why is di attached in dilarang but separate in di perpustakaan?
Two different morphemes:
- di- (attached) is a verbal passive prefix: dilarang.
- di (separate) is a preposition meaning at/in: di perpustakaan. Spelling rule: prefixes attach; prepositions stand alone.
Why merokok and not rokok?
- rokok = cigarette (noun).
- meN-
- rokok → merokok = to smoke (verb).
Related: perokok = a smoker; perokok pasif = passive smoker (second-hand).
- rokok → merokok = to smoke (verb).
Do I need untuk here (dilarang untuk merokok)?
No. The standard and most natural form is dilarang merokok. You may see dilarang untuk… in longer, formal sentences, but on signs and simple statements it’s usually omitted.
Why is there no subject? Could I add one?
Rules and signs often use an impersonal passive with no subject. You can add one if needed:
- Anda dilarang merokok = You are prohibited from smoking.
- Active alternative: Perpustakaan melarang merokok = The library forbids smoking. Adding an agent with oleh (by) is possible but sounds stiff here.
Can I change the word order?
Yes. All are grammatical, with slight differences in emphasis:
- Dilarang merokok di perpustakaan (neutral/typical).
- Di perpustakaan dilarang merokok (fronts the location).
- Merokok dilarang di perpustakaan (focus on the activity).
How strong or polite is dilarang compared to tidak boleh, jangan, and mohon?
- dilarang = prohibited; strong, formal, often legal/regulatory.
- tidak boleh = not allowed; a bit softer.
- jangan (merokok) = don’t (smoke); a direct command.
- mohon tidak merokok = please do not smoke; polite/request style.
Can I say di dalam perpustakaan?
Yes. di dalam perpustakaan emphasizes being inside the library (as opposed to near/at the entrance). Without the emphasis, di perpustakaan is sufficient.
Is a comma needed after the fronted phrase? Any spelling gotchas?
- A comma after Di perpustakaan is optional in running text; on signs it’s usually omitted.
- Spelling: di perpustakaan (separate); dilarang (one word).
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