Kendati

Kendati is a conjunction in the Indonesian language (and Malay) that expresses a concessive meaning, equivalent to “although” or “even though.” It introduces a clause that contrasts with what is stated in the main clause. Kendati is primarily found in formal or literary written language, and is less common in casual speech, where words like meskipun or walaupun are more typical.

Kendati can appear in different positions within a sentence. It may begin a sentence: “Kendati hujan deras, kami tetap pergi ke kantor.” It can also appear in mid-position with the main clause following after: “Kami tetap pergi ke kantor meskipun hujan deras.” In addition, the fixed phrase kendati demikian is used to introduce a contrasting statement, meaning “nevertheless” or “in spite of that.”

Usage notes: Kendati carries a slightly more literary or formal tone than some everyday conjunctions. It is commonly encountered in written texts such as literature, journalism, academic writing, and official documents. In everyday conversation, speakers might choose simpler synonyms, but kendati remains understood and correct in appropriate registers.

Examples:

- Kendati hujan deras, kami tetap melanjutkan perjalanan.

- Kendati telah bekerja keras, hasilnya belum memuaskan.

- Kendati demikian, ia tidak menyerah.

See also: meskipun, walaupun, kendati demikian. Kendati enriches the range of concessive expressions in Indonesian and Malay, contributing nuance to tone and formality in discourse.