I'm learning bahasa Indonesia

buruk — meaning in English: bad

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

Guess the translation for bad
berkumpul
sejahtera
cita-cita
kecewa
buruk
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 the word 'buruk' in various contexts, such as expressing dissatisfaction with services, describing unpleasant weather, or discussing negative experiences. For example, you might hear 'Makanan ini buruk' (This food is bad) during a meal, or someone might say 'Cuacanya buruk hari ini' (The weather is bad) when it rains heavily.
Synonyms & nuances
'Buruk' can be compared to 'jelek,' which means 'ugly' but often refers to physical appearance. While 'jelek' focuses on visual aspects, 'buruk' encompasses a broader range of negative qualities, including moral or ethical considerations. Use 'buruk' when discussing anything from service quality to emotional states.
Culture
'Buruk' has roots in the Malay language, where it also means 'bad.' Interestingly, in Indonesian culture, the word often carries a weight of moral judgment, reflecting social values about behavior and consequences. This can lead to engaging conversations about what constitutes 'bad' in different contexts, showcasing a blend of personal and societal standards.
FAQ
Q.What does 'buruk' mean in English?
'Buruk' translates to 'bad' in English, and it can describe a wide variety of negative situations or qualities.
Q.How do you use 'buruk' in a sentence?
You can use 'buruk' in sentences like 'Kualitas barang ini buruk' (The quality of this item is bad) to express dissatisfaction.
Q.Are there other ways to say 'bad' in Indonesian?
Yes, other words like 'cacat' (defective) or 'jelek' (ugly) can convey badness, but they are context-specific, so it's essential to choose based on what you're describing.
Learn indonesian with Maspeak →
Indonesian Vocabulary