Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Kami menunggu di luar kelas. - We are waiting outside the classroom.

Breakdown of Kami menunggu di luar kelas.

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What’s the difference between kami and kita?

kami = we (excluding the person you’re talking to).
kita = we (including the person you’re talking to).
So Kami menunggu di luar kelas means “We (not including you) are waiting outside the classroom.” If the listener is included, use Kita menunggu di luar kelas.

Can I omit kami?

Yes, if context makes the subject clear. Without it, Menunggu di luar kelas reads like an elliptical note/caption (“(We’re) waiting outside the classroom”) rather than a full sentence.
For clear, neutral, complete sentences, keep kami.

Is this present, past, or future?

Indonesian doesn’t mark tense on the verb. Use time/aspect words if needed:

What does the meN- prefix in menunggu do?

The base verb is tunggu (“wait”). meN- forms an active verb: menunggu (“to wait”).
With t-initial roots, meN- becomes men- and the initial t drops: tunggu → menunggu. This is normal assimilation (cf. p → mem-, k → meng-, s → meny-).

When do I use tunggu vs menunggu?

menunggu: statements/descriptions. Example: Kami menunggu di luar kelas.
tunggu: imperative or very casual short form. Example: Tunggu sebentar! (“Wait a moment!”)
In informal speech you’ll also hear: Kami nunggu di luar kelas.

Is it di luar or diluar?

Write the location preposition di as a separate word: di luar, di kelas, di rumah.
Attached di- (no space) is the passive verb prefix: ditunggu (“is/was awaited”). So di luar (two words) is correct here; diluar is a spelling error.

Does di luar kelas mean “outside the class” or “outside the classroom”?

Typically it means physically outside the classroom.
If you mean “outside class time,” say di luar jam pelajaran or di luar waktu kelas.
For extra clarity about place: di luar ruang kelas (“outside the classroom room”).

What’s the difference between di luar and keluar?

di luar = “outside (at a location)” (preposition + noun): Kami menunggu di luar kelas.
keluar = “to go out/exit” (verb): Kami keluar dari kelas (“We go/went out of the classroom”).

Is di luar kelas the same as di depan kelas?

di luar kelas: anywhere outside the classroom (could be beside/behind/in front).
di depan kelas: specifically in front of the classroom (at the front side).

How do I say “wait for [someone/something]” or “wait until [something] happens”?

Wait for + noun/pronoun: menunggu [noun/pronoun]. Example: Kami menunggu guru.
Wait until + clause: menunggu sampai/hingga [clause]. Example: Kami menunggu sampai kelas dimulai.
Avoid menunggu untuk [verb] in most cases; say menunggu untuk [noun] or rephrase: Kami menunggu giliran (not “menunggu untuk giliran”).

Can I use menanti/menantikan instead of menunggu?

menanti ≈ “to await,” a bit more formal/literary. Can be used like menunggu: Kami menanti di luar kelas.
menantikan is more clearly transitive and often implies eager expectation: Kami menantikan kedatangan guru.
In everyday speech, menunggu is the default.

Does kelas here mean “class” or “classroom”?

kelas can mean either, depending on context. In di luar kelas, it usually means “classroom.”
To be crystal clear about the room, say ruang kelas. For the lesson/time, use jam pelajaran or waktu kelas.

How can I make the sentence more polite or more casual?

Polite/softened: Kami akan menunggu di luar kelas dulu/terlebih dahulu.
Neutral: Kami menunggu di luar kelas.
Casual: Kami nunggu di luar kelas. / If including the listener: Kita lagi nunggu di luar kelas.

Can I front the location phrase?

Yes. Di luar kelas, kami menunggu. This emphasizes the location. Both orders are correct.

How do I add a duration?

Use selama or a bare time expression: Kami menunggu di luar kelas selama satu jam / sejam.
For past duration, add a past marker if needed: Tadi kami menunggu di luar kelas sejam.