meskipun demikian
Nevertheless with Meskipun Demikian
Use meskipun demikian at the start of a new sentence to acknowledge a previous fact while introducing a contrasting or unexpected point. It is the formal equivalent of 'even so' or 'nonetheless'.
How It Works
The phrase meskipun demikian is a staple of formal Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia Baku). It is composed of meskipun (although) and demikian (like that/such).
1. Syntactic Rules:
Unlike meskipun, which is used within a single sentence to join two clauses, meskipun demikian is an inter-sentence connector (konjungsi antarkalimat). The standard written model starts a new sentence and refers back to a preceding point or situation. The reference need not include every detail of the previous sentence.
2. Punctuation:
According to standard Indonesian orthography (EYD V), you must place a comma immediately after the phrase: 'Meskipun demikian, ...'
3. Register and Nuance:
This expression is common in formal writing and prepared speech. You will find it in academic papers, news reports, and speeches. Conversation also uses meskipun begitu or walaupun begitu. While it is similar to namun (however), meskipun demikian carries a stronger 'concessive' weight—it emphasizes that the previous point is fully acknowledged but does not stop the next point from happening. Related concessive connectors include walaupun demikian, biarpun demikian, and sungguhpun demikian.
A Style Disagreement: Some prescriptive guidance, including a Balai Bahasa Bengkulu article, recommends namun rather than namun demikian. Namun demikian is nevertheless attested in edited Badan Bahasa articles. Treat that recommendation as a style preference to follow when required, not a universal syntax error. Meskipun demikian, ... is the accepted concessive model taught here.
Examples (3)
- Ekonomi negara itu sedang mengalami kontraksi. Meskipun demikian, pemerintah tetap optimis.
The country's economy is experiencing a contraction. Nevertheless, the government remains optimistic.
Word by Word: Economy country that [progressive] experience contraction. Although like-that, government stay optimistic.
This shows the standard formal usage where a negative situation is acknowledged, but a positive outlook persists.
- Tim kami kalah dalam pertandingan kemarin. Meskipun demikian, semangat para pemain tidak luntur.
Our team lost in yesterday's match. Even so, the players' spirit has not faded.
Word by Word: Team we lose in match yesterday. Although like-that, spirit [plural marker] player not fade.
Here, the phrase links the fact of losing to the unexpected result of maintaining high spirits.
- Hujan turun sangat lebat pagi ini. Meskipun demikian, dia tetap berangkat ke kantor tepat waktu.
It rained very heavily this morning. Despite that, he/she still left for the office on time.
Word by Word: Rain fall very heavy morning this. Although like-that, he/she still depart to office exact time.
Demonstrates the use of the comma after the phrase and its position at the start of the second sentence.
Common Mistakes
Leaving the sentence boundary unpunctuated before the connector.
Saya lapar meskipun demikian saya tidak makan.Saya lapar. Meskipun demikian, saya tidak makan.In the standard written inter-sentence model, close the preceding sentence and write Meskipun demikian, ... . The displayed unpunctuated sequence does not mark that boundary. Meskipun by itself introduces a concessive clause in a different construction.
Omitting the comma after the phrase.
Meskipun demikian kami tetap bekerja.Meskipun demikian, kami tetap bekerja.In formal Indonesian writing, a comma is mandatory after sentence-initial connectors like 'meskipun demikian'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The connector 'meskipun demikian' (nevertheless/even so) is a formal transition that combines the concessive conjunction 'meskipun' with the formal demonstrative 'demikian' (meaning 'like that' or 'such'). To understand it, learners must first be familiar with the basic subordinating conjunction 'meskipun' and how demonstrative pronouns are used to refer back to previously mentioned ideas.
- meskipunConcession with Meskipun
The word 'meskipun' (although/even though) is the core concessive conjunction used in this compound connector.
Level 2 - ituItu Meaning That
The word 'demikian' functions as a formal demonstrative similar to 'itu' (that); understanding how 'itu' refers back to previous statements is essential for understanding 'demikian'.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- walaupunConcession with Walaupun
A synonymous conjunction to 'meskipun' that can also form the connector 'walaupun demikian'.
Level 2 - namunSentence-level Contrast with Namun
A formal sentence-starter meaning 'however', often used interchangeably with 'meskipun demikian'.
Level 4 - tetapiContrast with Tetapi
The standard intra-sentence conjunction for 'but', used to link two clauses.
Level 1 - oleh karena ituTherefore with Oleh Karena Itu
Another formal sentence-starter, but used for results ('therefore') rather than contrast.
Level 4 - dengan demikianThus with Dengan Demikian
A formal sentence-starter meaning 'thus' or 'in that way', sharing the 'demikian' component.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice meskipun demikian in Bubblegum
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