Meaning
Asking about the identity of a person
Cultural Background
Asking 'Siapa itu?' is the first step in the 'kenalan' process, which is vital for social harmony. In Javanese culture, you might add honorifics like 'Sinten niku?' to show extreme respect. The usage is identical, but the pronunciation might vary slightly. They might use 'Siapo itu?' with a distinct regional accent.
Remember the S
Siapa starts with S for 'Someone'.
Politeness
If you are unsure, adding 'Maaf' (sorry) before 'Siapa itu?' makes it much more polite.
Meaning
Asking about the identity of a person
Remember the S
Siapa starts with S for 'Someone'.
Politeness
If you are unsure, adding 'Maaf' (sorry) before 'Siapa itu?' makes it much more polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct interrogative.
____ itu yang berdiri di sana?
'Siapa' is used for people.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct way to ask about a person.
'Siapa itu?' is the standard way to ask 'Who is that?'.
Match the Indonesian phrase to its English meaning.
Match: Siapa itu? | Apa itu?
Siapa = Who, Apa = What.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises____ itu yang berdiri di sana?
'Siapa' is used for people.
Choose the correct way to ask about a person.
'Siapa itu?' is the standard way to ask 'Who is that?'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Siapa = Who, Apa = What.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsUsually no, use 'Apa itu?' for animals unless they are very close to you.
No, it is a standard question. Just be polite in your tone.
Use 'Siapakah itu?' or 'Boleh saya tahu siapa itu?'
Related Phrases
Siapa nama Anda?
builds onWhat is your name?
Apa itu?
contrastWhat is that?
Siapa dia?
similarWho is he/she?
Siapa gerangan?
specialized formWho could it be?
