dengan kata lain
In Other Words
Dengan kata lain is the Indonesian equivalent of "in other words." It is used to reformulate an idea to make it clearer or to highlight its logical conclusion.
How It Works
The phrase dengan kata lain is a fixed expression composed of the preposition dengan (with), the noun kata (word), and the adjective lain (other).
1. Syntactic Function
It acts as a transition between two independent thoughts. When starting a new sentence, it is almost always followed by a comma. If it connects two clauses within a single sentence, it is usually preceded by a semicolon or a comma.
2. Register and Usage
While common in written Indonesian, it is less frequent in casual conversation. In everyday speech, Indonesians often prefer maksudnya (what I mean is) or artinya (it means). Using dengan kata lain in a very casual setting can make you sound overly formal, like a news anchor or a lecturer.
3. Logical Equivalence
Unlike yaitu (namely), which introduces a list or a specific definition of a noun, dengan kata lain introduces a reformulation, clarification, summary, or practical implication of the previous thought. It need not be a logically equivalent proposition in every use. It is used for paraphrasing rather than listing.
Examples (4)
- Investasi pendidikan harus akuntabel. Dengan kata lain, setiap dana yang dikeluarkan harus dapat dipertanggungjawabkan.
Education investment must be accountable. In other words, every cent spent must be justifiable.
Word by Word: Investment education must accountable. With word other, every fund that [passive-out] must can [passive-accounted-for].
This shows the formal use of the phrase to clarify a technical term like 'akuntabel'.
- Dia tidak lulus ujian masuk; dengan kata lain, dia harus menunggu tahun depan untuk mencoba lagi.
He didn't pass the entrance exam; in other words, he has to wait until next year to try again.
Word by Word: He not pass exam enter; with word other, he must wait year front for try again.
Here, the phrase is used to explain the practical implication of failing the exam.
- Perusahaan ini sedang mengalami defisit. Dengan kata lain, pengeluaran kita lebih besar daripada pemasukan.
This company is currently experiencing a deficit. In other words, our expenses are greater than our income.
Word by Word: Company this [progressive] experience deficit. With word other, spending us more big than income.
The phrase simplifies a financial term ('defisit') for the listener.
- Dia selalu datang terlambat dan sering bolos. Dengan kata lain, dia tidak disiplin.
He always arrives late and often skips class. In other words, he is not disciplined.
Word by Word: He always come late and often skip. With word other, he not discipline.
The phrase is used here to summarize a list of behaviors into a single descriptive trait.
Common Mistakes
Using it to introduce a list of items (misusing it as 'namely').
Saya suka banyak olahraga, dengan kata lain basket dan voli.Saya suka banyak olahraga, yaitu basket dan voli.Use 'yaitu' or 'yakni' to list components of a noun. 'Dengan kata lain' must introduce a full restatement or explanation.
Omitting the comma after the phrase at the start of a sentence.
Dengan kata lain dia harus pergi.Dengan kata lain, dia harus pergi.In written Indonesian, discourse markers at the beginning of a sentence require a comma for proper punctuation.
Using it in very casual, slang-heavy conversations.
Gue laper banget, dengan kata lain ayo makan.Gue laper banget, maksudnya ayo makan yuk.Maksudnya or jadi can give a simpler conversational reformulation. Dengan kata lain is also grammatical in speech and can deliberately add a more explanatory tone.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'dengan kata lain', a learner needs to be familiar with the preposition 'dengan' (with) and how nouns are modified by adjectives or other nouns in Indonesian (noun + modifier order).
Related Patterns
- adalahDefinitional Copula Adalah
Both are used for clarification, but 'adalah' defines a noun, while 'dengan kata lain' reformulates a whole thought.
Level 1 - jadiResult or Transition with Jadi
In casual speech, 'jadi' often replaces 'dengan kata lain' to signal a conclusion or restatement.
Level 1 - dengan + AdjectiveManner with Dengan
The phrase 'dengan kata lain' follows the standard 'dengan' + noun/adjective pattern to describe manner or method.
Level 3 - dipertanggungjawabkanPassive Accountability Form
This complex passive verb is frequently used in the formal contexts where 'dengan kata lain' appears.
Level 5 - bahwaContent Clauses with Bahwa
Often used after restatements to introduce the content of the new explanation (e.g., 'Ini berarti bahwa...').
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice dengan kata lain in Bubblegum
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