agak + Adjective
Moderate Degree with Agak
The word agak is a degree adverb used to soften the intensity of an adjective. It translates to 'somewhat,' 'rather,' or 'a bit.'
How It Works
The pattern agak + adjective is a fundamental way to express a moderate degree in Indonesian.
1. Placement and Usage
Unlike some intensifiers that follow the word they modify, agak precedes the adjective or adjective phrase in this pattern. For example, to say 'rather cold,' you say agak dingin.
2. Softening Negative Feedback
Using agak can moderate criticism or negative news. Its social effect depends on the context and intonation. Saying a room is agak kotor (rather dirty) sounds softer than simply saying it is kotor (dirty).
3. The 'Agak ... Sedikit' Variant
A conversational variation adds the word sedikit (a little) after the adjective: agak + [Adjective] + sedikit. The two degree words overlap in meaning; the shorter agak + adjective is sufficient in concise writing.
4. Compatibility
While primarily used with adjectives, agak can also modify certain stative verbs (verbs that describe a state of being), such as agak mengerti (somewhat understand) or agak lupa (somewhat forget).
Positive Qualities: Agak is also possible with positive adjectives, as in agak baik or agak cepat. The intended assessment depends on context; it is not restricted to negative traits.
Examples (5)
- Hari ini cuacanya agak dingin.
Today the weather is rather cold.
Word by Word: Day this weather-the somewhat cold.
Agak modifies dingin to present the cold as moderate. This is the speaker’s assessment, not a precise temperature measurement.
- Pertanyaan itu agak sulit untuk dijawab.
That question is somewhat difficult to answer.
Word by Word: Question that somewhat difficult for be-answered.
Using 'agak' before 'sulit' (difficult) makes the statement less absolute.
- Mobil itu harganya agak mahal sedikit.
That car's price is a little bit expensive.
Word by Word: Car that price-the somewhat expensive little.
This conversational wording combines agak and sedikit to moderate the assessment. Agak mahal alone gives the basic meaning more concisely.
- Saya merasa agak lelah setelah bekerja.
I feel rather tired after working.
Word by Word: I feel somewhat tired after work.
Agak is used here to describe a moderate state of tiredness.
- Kamar ini agak gelap.
This room is somewhat dark.
Word by Word: Room this somewhat dark.
A simple application of 'agak' before the adjective 'gelap' (dark).
Common Mistakes
Placing 'agak' after the adjective.
Cuaca dingin agak.Cuaca agak dingin.Learners often confuse 'agak' with 'sekali' (very), which follows the adjective. 'Agak' must always come before the adjective.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'agak + adjective', you first need to know how adjectives work in Indonesian sentences. Specifically, you should be comfortable with the fact that adjectives follow nouns and can act as the main part of a sentence (the predicate) without needing a word for 'is' or 'are'.
Related Patterns
- sangat + AdjectiveHigh Degree with Sangat
While 'agak' decreases intensity, sangat increases it to mean 'very'.
Level 1 - terlalu + AdjectiveExcessive Degree with Terlalu
Terlalu indicates an excessive degree ('too'), whereas 'agak' indicates a moderate degree.
Level 1 - Adjective + sekaliPost-adjective Intensifier Sekali
Sekali is another intensifier for 'very,' but unlike 'agak,' it must follow the adjective.
Level 4 - banyak / sedikitQuantity Without Plural Agreement
Sedikit means a little and can also express a small degree; conversational agak ... sedikit combines overlapping degree words.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice agak + Adjective in Bubblegum
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