Asalkan

Asalkan is a conjunction used in Indonesian and Malay meaning “provided that” or “as long as.” It introduces a condition that must be met for a statement to be true or acceptable. It is widely used in both spoken and written language, in formal and informal contexts.

Usage and structure: An asalkan clause states a condition; the main clause states the consequence. The order is flexible, and the phrasing often emphasizes the prerequisite. Examples include: “Asalkan ada kemauan, semua orang bisa belajar bahasa.” and “Kamu boleh pergi, asalkan kamu sudah selesai tugas.” Translations: “Provided that there is willingness, everyone can learn a language,” and “You may go, provided that you have finished your task.”

Etymology and nuance: The word is generally analyzed as related to asal, meaning origin, plus the suffix -kan, which helps form a conditional sense. In practice, asalkan can carry a stronger sense of obligation or prerequisite than some other conditionals like kalau or jika, depending on context, and it typically ties the outcome to a specific requirement.

Translations and equivalents: In English, asalkan is commonly rendered as “provided that” or “as long as.” In Indonesian and Malay, it is one of several conditional markers; alternatives include kalau, jika, and selama, each with its own nuance. See also conditional conjunctions in Indonesian and Malay grammar.