Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Kapan-kapan tolong arsipkan foto lama, lalu hapus yang sama. - Sometime, please archive the old photos, then delete the duplicates.

kapan-kapan = sometime (at an unspecified future time). It softens the request and implies low urgency.
Related terms:
- kapan saja = anytime/whenever (no restriction).
- nanti = later (usually not too far in the future).
- suatu saat (nanti) = one day/at some point.
- kadang-kadang = sometimes (frequency), not used for scheduling.

Is Kapan-kapan informal? What would you use in more formal language?

kapan-kapan is neutral-casual and fine in everyday conversation.
More formal or businesslike options: nanti, pada kesempatan berikutnya, suatu saat nanti, or skip the vague timing and just instruct the action.
Example formal instruction: Mohon foto lama diarsipkan, kemudian duplikatnya dihapus.

How does tolong work here? Is it required, and where do I put it?

tolong before a verb makes a polite request, like “please.”
Common patterns:
- Tolong arsipkan … (polite imperative)
- Bisa tolong arsipkan …? (even softer, like “Could you please …?”)
- More formal: Mohon …; casual softener: tolong …, dong.
Dropping tolong makes it a bare command (Arsipkan …) which can sound curt.

What does the -kan in arsipkan do? Could I say arsip or diarsipkan?

Root: arsip (archive, a noun). Suffix -kan makes it a transitive verb: arsipkan = “archive (something).”
Active verb form for statements: mengarsipkan (I archive something).
Passive: diarsipkan = “to be archived.” Example: Tolong foto lama diarsipkan.
arsip by itself isn’t used as a verb in standard Indonesian.

Is arsipkan the most natural verb with photos? What about simpan or pindahkan ke arsip?

arsipkan is natural, especially in office/app contexts (e.g., mail/photos apps).
simpan = save/store (not necessarily into an archive).
pindahkan ke arsip = move to the archive (explicit about the action).
All are fine; choose based on how specific you want to be.

Does foto lama mean one old photo or old photos?

Indonesian usually doesn’t mark plural. foto lama can mean “old photo(s).”
To emphasize plural: foto-foto lama.
To make it definite: foto lamanya = “the old photo(s) [already known in context].”

Why is lama after foto? Can I say lama foto?

Adjectives usually follow nouns: foto lama (correct). lama foto is incorrect.
Note the nuance: lama (old/long-standing for things/time) vs tua (old in age, mainly for people/animals). For photos, use lama, not tua.

What does lalu mean here, and how is it different from kemudian or terus?

lalu = then/after that (sequential connector). Neutral in tone.
kemudian = then/afterwards (a bit more formal).
terus = then/and then/keep doing (very colloquial; also means “continue”).
Beware: lalu can also mean “last/past” in time expressions (e.g., tahun lalu), but here it’s a connector.

Why is there a comma before lalu? Is it necessary?

A comma before lalu is common to mark the pause between two clauses/steps.
It’s recommended for readability but not strictly mandatory. You could also use a period and start a new sentence, or use kemudian/setelah itu.

What exactly does yang sama refer to? Why isn’t there a noun after it?

yang turns descriptors/clauses into noun phrases. yang sama = “the same one(s).”
The head noun (foto) is understood from context, so it can be omitted.
Pattern: yang + adjective/clause → “the [adjective] one(s).” Examples: ambil yang besar, pilih yang merah.

Does yang sama mean identical duplicates or just similar photos?

sama means the same/identical. For extra clarity: sama persis.
“Similar” is mirip. So hapus yang mirip would mean “delete the similar ones,” not true duplicates.
Tech wording often uses duplikat: hapus duplikat(‑nya).

Would a native say hapus yang sama or hapus duplikat?

Both occur. hapus yang sama is natural in casual speech but can be vague.
hapus duplikat or hapus foto duplikat is clearer, especially in tech/admin contexts. duplikatnya adds “the duplicates (of them).”

Can I move kapan-kapan to another position?

Yes. Possible placements:
- Kapan-kapan tolong … (common; sets a non-urgent tone up front)
- Tolong, kapan-kapan arsipkan …
- Tolong arsipkan …, kapan-kapan. (feels like an afterthought)
Putting it at the start is the clearest and least ambiguous.

How would this look in a more formal passive style?

Mohon foto lama diarsipkan, kemudian duplikatnya dihapus.
You can also keep both clauses passive for parallel style, or use kemudian instead of lalu for a more formal feel.

Should I add a pronoun like kamu or Anda?

It’s normal to omit the subject. Tolong arsipkan … is already polite.
Add kamu for informal address, Anda for formal, or use a name/title (Tolong, Rina, …; Tolong, Pak/Bu, …) if you need to be explicit.

Is the hyphen in kapan-kapan necessary?

Yes, standard writing shows reduplication with a hyphen: kapan-kapan. You may see it written without a hyphen in casual text, but the hyphenated form is the norm.