Selain

Selain is a common term in Malay and Indonesian that serves as a preposition meaning “besides,” “in addition to,” or as a conjunction meaning “moreover” or “furthermore.” It is used to introduce something that accompanies or contrasts with what has been stated, or to indicate an exception in a broad sense.

As a preposition, selain typically connects a preceding clause or noun with an additional element, often implying exclusion or contrast. For example: “Selain John, tidak ada orang lain yang hadir” (Apart from John, no one else attended). It can also introduce additional information about a subject: “Selain pekerjaannya, dia juga belajar malam.” In this use, selain can be seen as signaling the presence of something in addition to what has already been mentioned.

As a conjunction or transitional phrase, especially in the fixed expression selain itu, it means “in addition,” “moreover,” or “besides that.” Example: “Saya suka musik. Selain itu, saya suka membaca.” This usage links sentences or clauses to add supplementary detail.

Differences from related terms: selain is distinct from kecuali, which more strictly means “except” or “excluded.” While both can express exclusion, selain often conveys inclusion of an additional element or an approximate contrast rather than a strict exception.

In usage, selain is common in everyday speech and formal writing alike, and it appears across Indonesian and Malay variants, with minor stylistic differences between dialects and registers.