Sendirian

Sendirian is a word used in Indonesian and Malay to denote solitude or independence in performing actions without other people. It functions as an adjective or adverb and roughly translates to “alone,” “by oneself,” or “on one’s own.”

Etymology and form: Sendirian derives from the root word sendiri, meaning “one’s own” or “oneself,” with the suffix -an that forms a noun-like or adjectival state. The term conveys a state of being solitary rather than simply the ability to act without help.

Usage and examples: In Indonesian, sendirian commonly follows the subject, as in Saya pergi sendirian or Dia hidup sendirian di rumah. It can describe a person who is physically alone or an action performed without others. In Malay, the usage is parallel, with subtle nuances tied to context and register. The expression often appears in everyday conversation, travel narratives, and literary writing to convey solitude, privacy, or self-reliance.

Nuance and distinctions: Sendirian emphasizes the absence of others or a solitary condition, whereas sendiri focuses more on doing something by one’s own effort or by oneself. While related terms exist in both languages, sendirilany emphasizes the state of being alone, rather than just the action.

See also: sendiri.