Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Arah angin berubah tiap detik, tetapi kami tetap tenang. - The wind direction changes every second, but we stay calm.

It’s a noun–noun compound: arah = “direction,” angin = “wind,” so arah angin = “wind direction.” In Indonesian, the second noun modifies the first (head-first order), so it’s like saying “direction of the wind.”

Why is it berubah and not mengubah?

berubah = “to change” (intransitive: something changes by itself). Example: Arah angin berubah “The wind direction changes.”
mengubah = “to change (something)” (transitive: you change X). Example: Cuaca mengubah rencana kami “The weather changed our plans.” Note: You’ll see merubah in the wild; many consider mengubah the standard form, and it’s safer in formal contexts.

Is tiap the same as setiap?

Pretty much. Both mean “each/every.” Tiap is a bit shorter and more casual; setiap is neutral and common in writing. Both tiap detik and setiap detik are fine here.

Do I need to pluralize detik (“second”)?

No. Indonesian doesn’t mark plural by adding an “s.” tiap detik already expresses plurality (“every second”). Reduplication detik-detik is possible in other contexts (often “the final moments”) but not needed here.

What tense is this? How do I know if it’s present or past?

Indonesian doesn’t mark tense on the verb. Arah angin berubah tiap detik can be understood as general/habitual or present. Context or time words clarify:

Past: Tadi arah angin berubah tiap detik…
Present progressive: Sedang berubah…
Future: Akan berubah…

Is the comma before tetapi required?

Yes, standard writing places a comma before coordinating conjunctions like tetapi (“but”) that link two clauses. Your punctuation is correct.

Difference among tetapi, tapi, and namun?

tetapi = “but,” more formal/neutral, used mid-sentence with a comma.
tapi = casual/spoken version of tetapi.
namun = “however,” typically starts a clause/sentence; often preceded by a period or semicolon in careful writing.
All can express contrast; choose based on formality and placement.

Why kami and not kita for “we”?

kami = “we (not including you, the listener).”
kita = “we (including you).”
The sentence implies the listener is not part of the group. If the listener is included, use kita.

What does tetap add, and how is it different from masih?

tetap = “remain/stay” (despite change/pressure): kami tetap tenang “we remain calm (nevertheless).”
masih = “still” (continuing from before): kami masih tenang “we are still calm.”
tetap emphasizes persistence in the face of change; masih emphasizes continuity over time.

Why is there no “to be” verb before tenang?

Indonesian adjectives can function as predicates. Kami tenang literally “We calm” = “We are calm.” You don’t add a copula like “to be.” adalah is not used before adjectives.

Can I change the word order?

Yes, with nuances:

Default: Arah angin berubah tiap detik.
Fronted time: Tiap detik, arah angin berubah.
With a different subject-verb pattern: Angin berubah arah tiap detik. (The wind changes direction every second.)
Putting tiap detik between verb and subject (Arah angin tiap detik berubah) is possible but less natural; fronting the time phrase is smoother.

What’s the difference between berubah tiap detik and berubah-ubah?

berubah tiap detik = it changes every second (extremely frequent, almost literal or hyperbolic).
berubah-ubah = “keeps changing/variable/fickle” without specifying frequency.
Example: Arah angin berubah-ubah “The wind direction is variable.”

Should I ever use per detik here?

Use per for rates/units: 5 meter per detik “5 meters per second.” For frequency (“every second”), use tiap detik/setiap detik, not per detik.

Do I need a preposition before the time phrase (e.g., di tiap detik)?

No. Time-frequency expressions like tiap detik, setiap hari don’t take a preposition.

How do I pronounce the sentence?

A simple guide (Indonesian vowels are pure; “ng” = ŋ as in “sing”):

arah: a-rah
angin: a-ngin (ng as in “sing” + in)
berubah: bə-ru-bah (schwa on the first e)
tiap: ti-ap
detik: də-tik
tetapi: tə-ta-pi
kami: ka-mi
tetap: tə-tap
tenang: tə-nang (final ng = ŋ)
Tip: Indonesian “r” is tapped/trilled slightly.

Can arah angin be figurative?

Yes. It can mean “the way things are trending,” often in politics/business/opinion: Arah angin politik berubah “The political winds have shifted.”

Are there natural synonyms for tenang?

tenang = calm/serene (neutral, common).
kalem = calm/composed (slightly colloquial).
santai = relaxed/chill (casual).
damai = peaceful (more about an atmosphere).
In your sentence, tenang is the most neutral and apt choice.