inilah

Inilah is an Indonesian word meaning “this is.” It is formed from the demonstrative pronoun ini, meaning “this,” combined with the emphatic particle lah, which adds emphasis or draws attention. The construction is used to introduce or identify a subject in a definitive or notable way.

Grammatically, inilah functions as a fixed phrase that can begin a sentence or clause to present information about something central to the statement. It often conveys certainty, immediacy, or emphasis. For example, inilah bukunya translates to “This is the book (that I wrote),” with a sense of pointing to the item as the focal point of the statement. The phrase is common in both spoken and written Indonesian and can appear in a range of registers, from everyday speech to formal writing.

In media and popular usage, inilah frequently appears in headlines, program intros, and article leads as a stylistic device to introduce the main subject or highlight a key claim. Its emphatic tone helps signal to readers or listeners that the content to follow is of central importance or interest.

Etymology and related forms: in Indonesian, inilah shares the same base as ini (“this”) and the particle lah, used to add emphasis. Its Malay equivalents function similarly, though usage may vary by region and formality. Overall, inilah remains a recognizable device for foregrounding a subject in Indonesian language and media.