Spojky

Conjunctions (kata hubung)

Indonesian conjunctions behave much like English ones: they sit between the two parts they join, and nothing about the verbs changes. Coordinating conjunctions join equal parts; subordinating ones attach a dependent clause to a main clause.

Joining equal parts

Joining a clause to a main clause

Word order and commas

As in English, the dependent clause can come first or second: Saya belajar karena ada ujian = Karena ada ujian, saya belajar. When it comes first, it is usually followed by a comma.

Points for English speakers

• Tapi is the everyday spoken form; in formal writing use tetapi. Likewise kalau is everyday "if", jika and apabila are more formal.
• Sambil needs the same subject doing both actions. "I cooked while my sister cleaned" (two people) uses sementara: Saya memasak, sementara adik saya membersihkan rumah.
• Indonesian does not need "then" after an if-clause, but you will often hear maka in formal style or ya in speech: Kalau capek, ya istirahat. - If you're tired, then rest.