Saya simpan minyak di lemari.

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Breakdown of Saya simpan minyak di lemari.

• di: in
• lemari: the cupboard
• simpan: to store

Questions & Answers about Saya simpan minyak di lemari.

Why is it simpan and not menyimpan? Is the bare verb correct?

Both are correct. Simpan is the root verb and is very common in everyday speech. Menyimpan is the more formal, affixed form (meN- + simpan → menyimpan). Meaning-wise they’re the same; the difference is mainly register. In casual talk you’ll hear Saya simpan …, while in formal writing you’d prefer Saya menyimpan ….

What tense is this? Does it mean I stored it, am storing it, or will store it?

Indonesian doesn’t mark tense on the verb. Context or time words clarify it:

• Past/completed: Saya sudah (tadi) menyimpan/simpan minyak di lemari.
• Progressive/ongoing: Saya sedang menyimpan (less common for this action) or more naturally Saya sedang menaruh minyak di lemari.
• Future: Saya akan/nanti saya simpan minyak di lemari. It can also express a habit: Saya simpan minyak di lemari = I keep oil in the cupboard (habitually).

Does minyak specifically mean cooking oil?

Minyak means oil in general. Specify if needed:

• Cooking oil: minyak goreng
• Olive oil: minyak zaitun
• Kerosene: minyak tanah
• Gasoline/petrol is not minyak; it’s bensin.

What’s the nuance difference between simpan and ?