Saya takut pergi ke dokter gigi.

to be

Breakdown of Saya takut pergi ke dokter gigi.

• saya: I
• pergi: to go
• ke: to

Questions & Answers about Saya takut pergi ke dokter gigi.

Why is it Saya and not Aku?

Saya is the standard, polite word for I. It’s neutral and safe in almost any situation, especially with people you don’t know well, in formal situations, or in writing.
Aku is more informal/intimate and is used with close friends, family, or children.

So Saya takut pergi ke dokter gigi sounds polite/neutral; Aku takut pergi ke dokter gigi sounds more casual or intimate.

Where is the verb am in “I am afraid”? Why is there no word for am?

Indonesian usually doesn’t use a verb like am/is/are before adjectives.
Takut is an adjective meaning afraid, and it can directly function as the predicate:

• Saya takut = I am afraid
• Dia lapar = He/She is hungry
• Mereka sibuk = They are busy

So Saya takut already means I am afraid; you don’t add a separate “am”.

Is takut an adjective or a verb? How else can it be used?