Understanding Apa and Siapa in Indonesian

1. Basic Meaning of Apa and Siapa

Apa: "What?" (Used to ask about things, actions, or states)

Siapa: "Who?" (Used to ask about people)





2. Apa (What?)

1) Example Conversations

A: Apa ini? (What is this?)
B: Itu buku. (That is a book.)

A: Apa pekerjaan Anda? (What is your profession?)
B: Saya seorang guru. (I am a teacher.)


2) Tips for Using Apa

To express surprise:

“Apa? Serius?” (What? Seriously?)


When you don’t understand something:

“Apa tadi?” (What did you just say?)



3) Advanced Usage

Combine Apa with verbs for specific questions:

Apa yang Anda lakukan? (What are you doing?)

Apa yang terjadi? (What happened?)





3. Siapa (Who?)

1) Example Conversations

A: Siapa nama Anda? (What is your name?)
B: Nama saya adalah Jay. (My name is Jay.)

A: Siapa itu? (Who is that?)
B: Itu teman saya. (That is my friend.)


2) Tips for Using Siapa

To sound formal:

“Siapa nama lengkap Anda?” (What is your full name?)


For casual situations, just say:

“Siapa?” (Who)



3) Cultural Tips

It is common to ask about someone's name, profession, and hometown during introductions in Indonesia.

Addressing people by their name during conversations shows politeness and builds rapport.



4) Advanced Usage

Use Siapa to ask about roles or relationships:

“Siapa guru Anda?” (Who is your teacher?)

“Siapa yang datang tadi?” (Who came earlier?)





4. Quiz

Question: Siapa nama Anda?
Answer: Nama saya adalah _____.
Fill in the blank with your name to complete the sentence!





5. Tips for Starting Conversations

1) Use Apa and Siapa to Break the Ice

When encountering a new dish:

“Apa nama makanan ini?” (What is the name of this food?)


When seeing an unfamiliar person:

“Siapa itu?” (Who is that?)



2) Build Connection by Using Names

After learning someone’s name, use it in conversation to create a friendly atmosphere.


3) Add Humor to Your Conversations

If you don’t understand something, say:

“Apa? Saya tidak dengar!” (What? I didn’t hear!)



4) Cultural Understanding

Indonesians are warm and open in conversations. Take your time to ask simple questions and show genuine interest.



---

Next Lesson: Expanding Questions

In the next lesson, we will explore Di mana (Where?) and Kapan (When?). These question words will help you ask more advanced questions and have deeper conversations.

Mastering simple questions like Apa and Siapa is essential to building your confidence in daily conversations. Watch the upcoming video to practice what you’ve learned!

By using these phrases consistently, you’ll see your speaking skills improve in no time.