daripada / dari
Comparison and Source Contrast
Dari = From (Origin/Source/Material)
Daripada = Than (Comparison/Preference)
How It Works
Understanding the difference between dari and daripada is essential for formal writing and clear communication.
1. The Functions of 'Dari'
- Origin/Source: Used for places, time, or people. Example: Saya datang dari Jakarta (I come from Jakarta).
- Material: Used to describe what an object is made of. Example: Meja ini terbuat dari kayu (This table is made of wood).
- Partitive: Used to indicate a part of a whole. Example: Sebagian dari mereka (Some of them).
2. The Functions of 'Daripada'
- Comparison: Used to contrast two entities, equivalent to 'than' in English. Example: Besi lebih berat daripada kapas (Iron is heavier than cotton).
- Preference/Avoidance: Used to express 'rather than'. Example: Daripada mengeluh, lebih baik bekerja (Rather than complaining, it is better to work).
3. Key Distinctions
In casual speech, Indonesians often shorten daripada to just dari for comparisons (e.g., lebih besar dari). However, in formal Bahasa Baku, daripada is the clear standard comparison model. TBBI also lists lebih...dari... among comparison conjunction patterns, so dari is not universally excluded from edited comparisons. For source or material in contemporary standard Indonesian, use dari; source uses of daripada occur in older or regional language and are not the target model here.
Examples (5)
- Ibu baru saja pulang dari pasar.
Mother just returned from the market.
Word by Word: Mother new just return from market.
Here, 'dari' is used to show the place of origin (the market).
- Kesehatan itu lebih berharga daripada kekayaan.
Health is more valuable than wealth.
Word by Word: Health that more valuable than wealth.
In this formal comparison, 'daripada' is used to contrast health and wealth.
- Daripada melamun, lebih baik kita membaca buku.
Rather than daydreaming, it's better for us to read a book.
Word by Word: Rather than daydream, more good we read book.
This shows 'daripada' used to express a preference or an alternative to an action.
- Cincin ini terbuat dari emas murni.
This ring is made of pure gold.
Word by Word: Ring this made-from from gold pure.
We use 'dari' here because it describes the material the object is composed of.
- Dia lebih tinggi dari kakaknya.
He/she is taller than his/her older sibling.
Word by Word: He/she more tall than his/her older sibling.
Dari marks the standard of comparison here. It is common in conversation and is also listed in TBBI comparison patterns; daripada remains a clear explicit model.
Common Mistakes
Writing 'daripada' as two separate words.
Dia lebih pintar dari pada saya.Dia lebih pintar daripada saya.'Daripada' is a compound preposition and must always be written as a single word.
Related Patterns
- dariSource with Dari
This is the base preposition used for origin and source, which forms the first half of 'daripada'.
Level 1 - lebih ... daripadaComparative with Lebih
The most common comparative structure where 'daripada' is used to mark the standard of comparison.
Level 2 - lebih baik ... daripadaPreference with Lebih Baik
A specific construction for expressing preference, often translated as 'better... than' or 'rather than'.
Level 2 - daripadaComparison Standard with Daripada
The specific functional pattern for using 'daripada' to contrast two things.
Level 2 - Possession by juxtaposition
The ordinary Indonesian possession model places the possessor after the noun. Daripada is not a general equivalent of every English of; older or regional usages need their own context.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice daripada / dari in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Indonesian lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
