Saya pinjam satu buku di perpustakaan.

I borrow one book at the library.

Breakdown of Saya pinjam satu buku di perpustakaan.

• buku: the book
• saya: I
• di: at
• perpustakaan: the library

Questions & Answers about Saya pinjam satu buku di perpustakaan.

Is it okay to say Saya pinjam, or should it be Saya meminjam?

Both are acceptable. Saya meminjam is the standard, neutral form (good for writing and formal speech). Saya pinjam is common in everyday conversation and sounds more casual. In very casual speech you may also hear Aku pinjam.

What’s the difference between meminjam and meminjamkan (borrow vs. lend)? What about meminjami?

• meminjam = to borrow. Example: Saya meminjam buku.
• meminjamkan = to lend (something to someone). Example: Dia meminjamkan saya sebuah buku or Dia meminjamkan sebuah buku kepada saya.
• meminjami also means to lend (focus on the recipient), but it’s less common than meminjamkan. Example: Dia meminjami saya buku.

Do I need satu? Could I use sebuah or nothing? And what about satu buah buku?