oleh karena itu
Therefore with Oleh Karena Itu
Oleh karena itu is the standard formal way to say 'therefore' in Indonesian. It connects two separate sentences, where the second sentence describes the result of the first.
How It Works
In formal Indonesian, logical flow is maintained through specific connectors. Oleh karena itu is a fixed phrase composed of oleh (by), karena (because), and itu (that).
Key characteristics include:
- Placement: It almost always starts a new sentence.
- Punctuation: According to EYD V (Indonesian spelling standards), a comma must follow it.
- Register: It is highly formal. In casual speech, Indonesians usually prefer jadi or makanya.
- Logic: It signals that the following statement is a direct consequence or a reasoned conclusion based on the previous sentence.
While some purists argue for oleh sebab itu, oleh karena itu is fully accepted and widely used in the highest levels of Indonesian discourse.
Examples (3)
- Fasilitas kesehatan di desa itu sangat terbatas. Oleh karena itu, banyak warga harus pergi ke kota untuk berobat.
Health facilities in that village are very limited. Therefore, many residents must go to the city for treatment.
Word by Word: Facility health in village that very limited. By because that, many citizens must go to city for get-treatment.
This shows the standard usage: a full stop separates the cause from the result, and 'oleh karena itu' starts the result sentence followed by a comma.
- Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa polusi udara meningkat tajam. Oleh karena itu, pemerintah perlu segera mengambil tindakan.
This research shows that air pollution is increasing sharply. Consequently, the government needs to take immediate action.
Word by Word: Research this show that pollution air increase sharp. By because that, government need immediately take action.
In academic contexts, this phrase links a finding (cause) to a recommendation (result).
- Dia tidak memiliki paspor yang valid. Oleh karena itu, dia tidak diizinkan masuk ke negara tersebut.
He does not have a valid passport. For that reason, he is not allowed to enter that country.
Word by Word: He not have passport which valid. By because that, he not allowed enter to country that.
This demonstrates a logical consequence in a formal or legal context.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the mandatory comma after the phrase.
Oleh karena itu dia pergi.Oleh karena itu, dia pergi.EYD V requires a comma after an inter-sentence connector such as oleh karena itu.
Using it to link two clauses within a single sentence without proper punctuation.
Saya lapar oleh karena itu saya makan.Saya lapar. Oleh karena itu, saya makan.'Oleh karena itu' is an inter-sentence connector. It should start a new sentence or follow a semicolon, not just sit between two clauses like a simple conjunction.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The formal connector 'oleh karena itu' is a compound phrase. To understand it, a learner needs to recognize 'oleh' (by/due to), 'karena' (because), and 'itu' (that), which together literally mean 'by because of that' or 'therefore'.
Related Patterns
- jadiResult or Transition with Jadi
'Jadi' is the less formal equivalent of 'oleh karena itu', commonly used in daily conversation.
Level 1 - makaFormal Result with Maka
'Maka' is a formal result connector usually used within a single sentence to link a condition to a result.
Level 2 - dengan demikianThus with Dengan Demikian
Another formal inter-sentence connector meaning 'thus' or 'in that way', often used interchangeably with 'oleh karena itu'.
Level 5 - sehinggaResult with Sehingga
'Sehingga' is an intra-sentence conjunction used to show result, but it cannot start a new sentence like 'oleh karena itu'.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice oleh karena itu in Bubblegum
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