apabila

Apabila is a subordinating conjunction in Indonesian (and Malay) meaning "when," "if," or "in the event that." It introduces a conditional clause and is typically used in formal or written language, including official documents and academic writing. The condition expressed by apabila governs the action in the main clause.

Usage: It usually appears at the start of the clause that states the condition: "Apabila hujan turun, acara akan dibatalkan." meaning "If it rains, the event will be canceled." The main clause follows and describes the result if the condition is met. In some contexts, the order can be reversed: "Kegiatan akan dilanjutkan apabila cuaca memungkinkan." "The activity will continue if the weather allows."

Nuance: Apabila is more formal and literary than kalau, and is therefore common in legal, regulatory, or formal prose. It is broadly interchangeable with jika or bila in many contexts, but carries a slightly more precise or formal tone. Seandainya typically expresses hypothetical wishes or counterfactuals, which is a different nuance.

Regional use: Found in Indonesian and Malay, with similar meanings and usage in formal text.

See also: Kalau, Jika, Bila, Ketika, Seandainya.