Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Sikat gigi kamu di mana sih? Kok tidak di depan cermin? - Where is your toothbrush? Why isn’t it in front of the mirror?

Sih is a colloquial particle that softens or adds insistence/emphasis to a question. In di mana sih, it can sound like “so where is it, then?”—more engaged, possibly a bit impatient or curious, depending on tone. It doesn’t change the literal meaning, just the attitude. It’s fine in casual conversation, but overuse or a sharp tone can sound annoyed.

What does kok mean in Kok tidak di depan cermin? Is it just “why”?

Kok is an informal sentence-initial particle that conveys surprise, mild disbelief, or a subtle challenge: “How come…?” or “Why (is it like that)?” It often implies the situation is unexpected or not as it should be. It’s less neutral than kenapa and not suitable for formal situations or with people you must be very polite to.

Why is the possessor after the noun in sikat gigi kamu?

In Indonesian, the possessor usually follows the possessed item: sikat gigi kamu = “your toothbrush.” You can also use the clitic -mu attached to the noun: sikat gigimu. Both are common; -mu feels a bit tighter/leaner and is common in writing and casual speech. With formal “you,” use Anda: sikat gigi Anda.

Does sikat gigi mean “toothbrush” or “to brush (one’s) teeth”?

Both exist. As a noun phrase, sikat gigi = “toothbrush” (as in the given sentence). As an activity, (meng)sikat gigi = “to brush (one’s) teeth,” often just said as sikat gigi in casual speech: Saya mau sikat gigi = “I’m going to brush my teeth.” Context disambiguates.

Why is there no verb “to be” in Sikat gigi kamu di mana?

Indonesian doesn’t use a copula (“to be”) for location or identification in simple present. You just say noun + di + place: Buku saya di meja (“My book is on the table”). So Sikat gigi kamu di mana is perfectly complete.

Why is it tidak and not bukan in Kok tidak di depan cermin??

Use tidak to negate verbs and adjectives, and also prepositional phrases like di depan cermin. Use bukan to negate a noun phrase or to correct an identity/definition. Here you’re negating the location phrase, so tidak is correct.

Can I replace kok with kenapa or mengapa? What changes?

Kenapa tidak di depan cermin? Neutral, informal “why,” a simple request for a reason.
Mengapa tidak di depan cermin? More formal/literary.
Kok tidak di depan cermin? Informal and carries surprise/mild disapproval. Choose based on tone and formality.

Can I change the word order, like Di mana sih sikat gigi kamu? or Sikat gigimu di mana?

Yes. Di mana sih sikat gigi kamu? is also natural and may sound a bit more like you’re focusing on the location. Sikat gigimu di mana? is fine too, just using -mu. Word order is fairly flexible; fronting often signals what you’re highlighting.

Is di mana written as one word (dimana)?

Standard spelling is two words: di mana. Di is a preposition here, so it’s separate. Writing dimana is a common informal mistake in texting but is nonstandard.

Why is the subject missing in the second sentence? Who/what is not in front of the mirror?

Indonesian frequently drops elements that are obvious from context. Kok tidak di depan cermin? is elliptical; it likely means “How come it (the toothbrush) isn’t in front of the mirror?” It could also mean “How come you’re not (brushing) in front of the mirror?” depending on the situation. Context decides.

Does this sound rude? How can I make it more polite?

With sih and kok, it can sound mildly scolding or impatient in some tones. To soften:

Sikat gigi kamu di mana, ya? (friendly, seeking help)
Kenapa tidak di depan cermin? (neutral “why”) For formal: Sikat gigi Anda di mana? Mengapa tidak di depan cermin?

Can I drop kamu and just say Sikat gigi di mana sih?

Yes, if it’s clear whose toothbrush you mean from context. Without kamu, it could be interpreted as “Where’s the toothbrush?” in general. Include kamu (or -mu) if you need to be explicit.

Is there any difference between cermin and kaca in di depan cermin?

Cermin specifically means “mirror.” Kaca means “glass,” but in everyday speech some people use kaca to mean “mirror” too. Di depan cermin is unambiguous; di depan kaca may be heard regionally as “in front of the mirror,” but it can also literally mean “in front of the glass.”

Why not say “a toothbrush”? Do I need a number or classifier?

Indonesian doesn’t require an article like “a.” Sikat gigi kamu is enough. If you need to specify number, add a numeral and optionally a classifier: satu (buah) sikat gigi = “one toothbrush.” Plural is usually unmarked unless you need to clarify.

Is mana without di okay for “where,” like Sikat gigi kamu mana?

In casual speech, X mana? can mean “where is X?” So Sikat gigi kamu mana? is colloquial and common. The standard form is X di mana?; use that in neutral or formal contexts.

Any pronunciation tips for sih and kok?

Sih: short vowel, lightly aspirated final h; don’t over-pronounce the h.
Kok: short o, final k is typically unreleased or glottalized. Keep the particle brief; intonation often falls, carrying a tone of surprise or mild challenge.