Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.

I read the research results in the library.

Breakdown of Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.

• saya: I
• di: in
• membaca: to read
• perpustakaan: the library
• hasil riset: the research result

Questions & Answers about Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.

What is the difference between saya and aku? Can I use aku here?

Both mean I, but they differ in formality:

• saya – neutral / polite / formal. Safe for talking to strangers, teachers, in writing, etc.
• aku – informal / intimate. Used with close friends, family, people your age (depending on region).

You can say:

• Aku membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.

It then sounds more casual. The rest of the sentence stays the same.

Why is it membaca and not just baca?

baca is the root verb to read.
membaca is the standard active verb form with the prefix meN-:

• baca (root)
• meN-
  • baca → membaca

In normal sentences with a clear subject, you usually use the meN- form:

• Saya membaca buku. – I read a book / I am reading a book.

You might see baca used:

• As an imperative: Baca buku ini! – Read this book!
• In very informal speech or text messages: Aku lagi baca hasil riset.

Does this sentence mean I read, I am reading, or I have read?

Indonesian verbs do not change form for tense. membaca can mean:

• I read (habitually / past event)
• I am reading
• I have read
• I will read

The exact meaning comes from context or extra time words, for example:

• Saya sedang membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.
  I am reading the research results at the library (right now).

• Tadi saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.
  Earlier I read the research results at the library.

• Besok saya akan membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.
  Tomorrow I will read the research results at the library.

So by itself, Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan. is time-neutral.

How would I clearly say I am reading the research results at the library right now?

You can add sedang (progressive aspect) and optionally sekarang (now):

• Saya sedang membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan sekarang.

Or without sekarang if the context is already clearly “now”:

• Saya sedang membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.

What exactly does hasil riset mean, and why is the word order like that?

• hasil = result, outcome
• riset = research

So hasil riset literally = results of research.

In Indonesian, the typical pattern is:

head noun + modifier

Here, hasil (results) is the head, and riset (research) tells you what kind of results.

Compare:

• hasil ujian – exam results
• hasil foto – photo output / result (what came out of the camera)

So hasil riset mirrors English research results, but the logic is “results (of) research”.

Is riset the same as penelitian? Can I say hasil penelitian instead?

Yes:

• riset = research (loan from English research)
• penelitian = research/investigation (native/standard term)

Both are natural. You can say:

• Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.
• Saya membaca hasil penelitian di perpustakaan.

hasil penelitian often sounds a bit more formal/academic, but both are widely used.

How do I know if hasil is singular or plural here?

Indonesian usually does not mark plural with an ending like -s.

hasil can mean:

• one result
• several results

You know from context, or by adding words:

• satu hasil riset – one research result
• beberapa hasil riset – several research results
• banyak hasil riset – many research results

So in Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan, hasil riset can be understood as the research result(s) depending on the situation.

What is the function of di in di perpustakaan, and how is it different from ke?

di is a preposition meaning at / in / on (location).
ke means to (movement/direction).

• di perpustakaan – at the library (location)
• ke perpustakaan – to the library (movement towards)

Compare:

• Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.
  I read/am reading the research results at the library.

• Saya pergi ke perpustakaan.
  I go to the library.

Does perpustakaan mean a library or the library? Why is there no word like the or a?

Indonesian has no articles like a/an or the.
perpustakaan simply means library.

Whether it is understood as a library or the library depends on context:

• A library (not specific):
  First time mentioning it: Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.

• The library (previously known or obvious place):
  Context: your campus only has one main library, so people naturally understand the library.

To make it more specific, you can add details:

• di perpustakaan kampus – at the campus library
• di perpustakaan umum – at the public library

Can I change the position of di perpustakaan in the sentence?

Yes, you can move the location phrase, as long as the meaning stays clear. The most common are:

• Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan.
• Di perpustakaan, saya membaca hasil riset.

Both mean the same.

Putting di perpustakaan at the beginning can emphasize the place: At the library, I read the research results.

Can I omit saya and just say Membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan?

You can, and it will still be understood from context in many situations, because Indonesian often drops pronouns when they are obvious.

However:

• Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan. – complete, clear, good for learners, writing, or formal speech.
• Membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan. – more like a note, a fragment, or a headline (e.g., in a diary: “(I am) reading research results at the library”).

So yes, it’s possible, but for full sentences, especially as a learner, keep saya.

Is this sentence formal or informal? Would I say this in conversation?

The sentence with saya is neutral to formal and perfectly fine in:

• everyday conversation (especially with people you don’t know well)
• class presentations
• written assignments

In more casual speech with friends, you might adjust:

• Aku lagi baca hasil riset di perpustakaan.
  
  • aku instead of saya
  • lagi instead of sedang (informal “in the middle of doing”)
  • baca instead of membaca (informal shortening)

But Saya membaca hasil riset di perpustakaan. is correct and natural in many situations.