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Melayu
jarak — meaning in English: distance
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distance
menyesal
kecantikan
jarak
selamat
mendalam
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 'jarak' in everyday conversations to indicate physical distance, such as when discussing how far one location is from another. For example, someone might say, 'Jarak dari rumah saya ke sekolah adalah 5 kilometer,' meaning 'The distance from my house to the school is 5 kilometers.' It can also be used in more abstract contexts, like emotional or relational distance.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'jarak' means 'distance,' another synonym is 'sejauh,' which also implies 'as far as.' However, 'sejauh' typically conveys a sense of extent or measure more than a literal distance. You might choose 'jarak' when discussing distance in a more straightforward context, while 'sejauh' is better suited for descriptive distances or comparisons.
Culture
'Jarak' has its roots in the Malay language, reflecting the cultural emphasis on navigation and connectivity in Southeast Asia. Historically, the word has been vital for trade and travel, where understanding distance was crucial for planning journeys. Interestingly, 'jarak' is also used in metaphorical senses, highlighting how distance can symbolize emotional or social divides.
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