Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Saya setuju bahwa opsi ini paling hemat waktu. - I agree that this option saves the most time.

Bahwa is a complementizer meaning “that,” introducing a content clause after verbs like setuju (agree), pikir (think), yakin (be sure), etc. It makes the sentence slightly more formal and explicit: Saya setuju bahwa … = “I agree that …”

Can I omit bahwa?

Yes. In everyday speech it’s common to drop it: Saya setuju opsi ini paling hemat waktu. You’ll also hear the colloquial kalau used as “that”: Aku setuju kalau opsi ini paling hemat waktu. In formal writing, bahwa (or a full rephrasing) is preferred.

Do I need a comma before bahwa?

No. Indonesian normally doesn’t use a comma before bahwa. Write Saya setuju bahwa … without a comma.

Why is ini after opsi and not before it?

In Indonesian, demonstratives follow the noun: opsi ini (this option), buku itu (that book). Putting ini before the noun is only natural in certain sentence structures (e.g., as a subject: Ini adalah opsi yang …) or for emphatic fronting (Ini opsi paling hemat waktu, colloquial). As a plain noun phrase, use opsi ini.

What does paling mean and how is it used?

Paling marks the superlative (“most”). It precedes an adjective or descriptive phrase:

paling hemat waktu = most time-saving
paling cepat = fastest For a comparative (“more”), use lebih: lebih hemat waktu = more time-saving.

Do I need yang before paling?

Predicate use (your sentence): Opsi ini (yang) paling hemat waktu. Here, yang is optional; without it is common and natural.
Attributive/relative use (modifying a noun): Use yang. Example: opsi yang paling hemat waktu adalah …

Is hemat waktu a natural expression?

Yes. Hemat means “economical/thrifty” or “saving,” and it often collocates with resources:

hemat waktu (time-saving)
hemat biaya (cost-saving)
hemat energi (energy-saving) So paling hemat waktu is idiomatic and concise.

Can I say menghemat waktu instead of hemat waktu?

Yes, when you want a verbal feel (“saves the most time”):

Predicate: Opsi ini paling menghemat waktu.
Relative clause: opsi yang paling menghemat waktu Both are fine. Paling hemat waktu sounds more adjectival; paling menghemat waktu emphasizes the action of saving time.

What’s the difference between opsi and pilihan?

Both can mean “option/choice,” but:

opsi is a loanword, common in tech/business contexts for available options.
pilihan is derived from pilih (to choose) and can mean “a choice,” “selection,” or “the chosen one.” In this sentence, you can use either: opsi ini or pilihan ini. Style and context determine preference.

Could I use a ter- superlative, like terhemat?

Sometimes. Ter- also forms superlatives: tercepat (fastest), terbaik (best), terhemat (most economical). However, with the phrase hemat waktu, paling hemat waktu is far more common and natural than terhemat waktu. For speed, both paling cepat and tercepat are equally natural.

Is the sentence formal? How would it sound informally?

It’s neutral to slightly formal because of Saya and bahwa. Informal variants:

Aku setuju (kalau) opsi ini paling hemat waktu.
Very casual/Jakarta: Gue setuju kalo opsi ini paling hemat waktu.

Can I drop Saya and just say Setuju?

Yes, especially in conversation or chat:

Setuju, opsi ini paling hemat waktu. You can also use synonyms: Sepakat or Saya sependapat (I’m of the same opinion).

What’s the difference between setuju bahwa and setuju dengan?

Setuju bahwa
- clause: agreeing with a proposition. Example: Saya setuju bahwa opsi ini paling hemat waktu.
Setuju dengan
- noun/pronoun: agreeing with someone/something. Example: Saya setuju dengan opsi ini / dengan Anda.
  Don’t say Saya setuju ini; say Saya setuju dengan ini.

How do I negate or soften this?

Direct negation: Saya tidak setuju bahwa opsi ini paling hemat waktu.
Softer/hedged: Saya kurang setuju dengan opsi ini. / Menurut saya, opsi lain lebih hemat waktu.

Can I reword it as “this is the most time-efficient option”?

Yes:

Ini adalah opsi yang paling hemat waktu. (more formal)
Ini opsi paling hemat waktu. (colloquial, no copula) Both are natural.