Menyebrang

Menyebrang is an Indonesian verb that means to move from one side to the other, most commonly to cross a road or street. It is widely used in everyday speech to describe the act of crossing from one sidewalk to the opposite side, as in menyebrang jalan. The term derives from seberang, meaning across, with the meN- prefix that forms active verbs in Indonesian. In formal writing, related forms such as menyeberang or menyeberangi are often preferred, while menyebrang and its regional variants are common in everyday language.

In usage, menyebrang is typically applied to crossing physical barriers such as roads, rivers, or rail lines. The phrase can be followed by a direct object or a prepositional phrase, for example menyebrang jalan or menyebrang sungai. The action may be described with different nuances depending on context, but the core idea remains moving from one side to the other.

Safety and practicality are central to the concept of menyebrang. Pedestrians are advised to use designated crosswalks or pedestrian signals, stop at curbs, look left and right, listen for traffic, and cross promptly within marked areas. Extra caution is recommended for children, the elderly, and in low-light conditions where reflective clothing or lighting improves visibility. In urban areas, infrastructure such as crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and traffic lights supports safer crossing; in rural settings, crossing may demand more careful judgment due to faster or less predictable vehicle movement.

See also: pedestrian crossing, traffic safety, crosswalk.