karena — meaning in English: Because

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karena

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berpikir di luar kotak

menangis

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers of Indonesian frequently use 'karena' in everyday conversations to explain reasons or justifications. For example, during a casual chat about why someone is late, they might say, 'Saya terlambat karena hujan,' meaning 'I am late because of the rain.' It's also common in more formal settings, such as academic discussions or written reports, where clarity in reasoning is essential.

Synonyms & nuances

'Karena' is closely related to 'sebab,' which also means 'because.' However, 'karena' is often used in spoken language and informal contexts, while 'sebab' tends to lean towards literary or formal uses. When you want to explain something casually, 'karena' is your go-to word.

Culture

'Karena' has roots in the Malay language and has been an integral part of Indonesian grammar for centuries. As Indonesia is a diverse archipelago with various languages and dialects, 'karena' exemplifies the linguistic blending that occurs in the region, emphasizing the importance of cause-and-effect expressions in Indonesian culture. Interestingly, in Javanese culture, there's a saying, 'Karena titip, kita hidup,' which translates to 'Because we trust, we live,' showcasing how intertwined language and cultural values can be.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'karena' in a sentence?

'Karena' is used to connect two clauses, where the first clause states a condition or situation, and the second provides the reason. For example, 'Saya tidak pergi karena sakit' means 'I did not go because I was sick.'

Q.Can 'karena' be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, 'karena' can start a sentence, especially for emphasis. For example, 'Karena dia terlambat, kami mulai tanpa dia' translates to 'Because he was late, we started without him.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'karena'?

A common mistake is to confuse 'karena' with 'karena itu,' which means 'because of that.' While 'karena' can stand alone, using 'karena itu' adds emphasis and links to a preceding statement.

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