berirama

Berirama is an Indonesian and Malay term that denotes the presence of rhythm. As an adjective, it describes music, poetry, or speech that has a definite beat, tempo, or metrical pattern. The word combines the prefix ber- with irama, the noun meaning rhythm or cadence. In general use, berirama indicates that a work is structured around recurring rhythmic units rather than being arrhythmic or lacking cadence.

In music, lagu berirama are songs with a regular beat and rhythmic drive. This applies across Indonesian genres from traditional folk to contemporary pop and dangdut, where the rhythm underpins melody and phrasing. The concept is closely related to irama in Indonesian music theory, which concerns tempo, beat structure, and rhythmic density within a piece. The term helps distinguish works that emphasize timing and groove from those that are more free in tempo.

In poetry and oratory, berirama may describe lines or passages composed with meter or a consistent cadence. Some Indonesian poems and chants are described as berirama, contrasting with berirama bebas (free verse) where rhythm is less regular. The usage of berirama thus spans both musical and literary contexts, underscoring the role of rhythm in structure and expression.

See also: irama, rhythm, prosody, meter, Indonesian music, Indonesian literature.