langsung

Langsung is a word in Indonesian and Malay that means direct or immediate. It is commonly used as an adverb to describe actions that occur without delay or mediation, and as an adjective in phrases such as hubungan langsung (direct relationship) or akibat langsung (direct consequence). The term signals immediacy, directness, or unmediated contact between a subject and object.

In Indonesian grammar, langsung often appears before the verb to emphasize immediacy, as in saya langsung pergi (I went directly/straight away). It can also modify nouns in noun phrases, for example, sambungan langsung (a direct connection). The phrase siaran langsung, widely used in media, translates to a live broadcast, where langsung conveys real-time immediacy to the audience.

Langsung also occurs in expressions that stress getting to the core of an issue, such as langsung ke inti (go straight to the point) or tindakan langsung (direct action). It contrasts with indirect or mediated forms, such as tidak langsung, which means not direct or indirect.

Etymologically, langsung is rooted in Malayic languages and is common across Indonesian and Malay. The word has broad applicability in everyday speech, journalism, business, and law, where directness or immediacy is relevant. Its usage tends to be formal enough for standard writing and versatile in casual conversation, without altering the core meaning of directness.

In summary, langsung denotes directness, immediacy, and unmediated action, functioning as an essential connector of time, space, and causal relationships in Indonesian and Malay.