I'm learning bahasa Indonesia

seharusnya — meaning in English: should

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for should
seharusnya
pergi
mempertimbangkan
wawasan
pembauran
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Indonesian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use 'seharusnya' in a variety of contexts, often when giving advice or expressing expectations. For example, during a family discussion about responsibilities, someone might say, 'Kamu seharusnya membantu ibumu,' meaning 'You should help your mother.' It is also common in professional settings, such as when discussing project deadlines or performance expectations.
Synonyms & nuances
'Seharusnya' is often used interchangeably with 'sebaiknya,' which translates to 'should ideally.' While 'seharusnya' has a stronger connotation of obligation, 'sebaiknya' suggests a recommendation or advice that is more flexible. You would use 'seharusnya' when discussing something that is expected or required.
Culture
'Seharusnya' is derived from the root word 'harus,' which means 'must.' Its evolution reflects a cultural emphasis on collective responsibility and social obligations in Indonesian society. The use of 'seharusnya' often indicates not just personal opinion, but a shared understanding of what is considered right or appropriate in a given situation.
FAQ
Q.What does 'seharusnya' mean in English?
'Seharusnya' means 'should' in English, indicating obligation or expectation about an action.
Q.How is 'seharusnya' used in sentences?
'Seharusnya' is typically used before a verb to suggest what someone ought to do. For example, 'Dia seharusnya belajar lebih giat' translates to 'He should study harder.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'seharusnya'?
A common mistake is using 'seharusnya' when giving a suggestion rather than a strong recommendation. In such cases, 'sebaiknya' might be a more appropriate choice.
Learn indonesian with Maspeak →
Indonesian Vocabulary