pelajaran

Pelajaran is an Indonesian noun that refers to a lesson or instruction, the act or result of teaching and learning, and the knowledge gained from study or experience. It can denote a specific instructional unit within a course as well as broader insights acquired through education or practice. In everyday language, pelajaran covers both formal schooling content and informal lessons learned in daily life.

Etymology and usage: Pelajaran is derived from the verb ajar, meaning to teach. The prefix pe- and the suffix -an form a noun that denotes the result or object of teaching or learning. In Indonesian, the term is used in a general sense, with the exact quantity or scope indicated by context or accompanying numerals (for example, dua pelajaran or beberapa pelajaran).

In education: Within formal schooling, pelajaran often appears in the phrase mata pelajaran, which means school subjects. Common examples include Bahasa Indonesia, Matematika, Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA), Sejarah, and Bahasa Inggris. The content of pelajaran is organized into curricula and lesson plans to align with learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Figurative use: Pelajaran is also used metaphorically to describe insights gained from experiences, such as pelajaran hidup (life lessons) or pelajaran dari kejadian tertentu (lessons from a particular event). This broader sense highlights the value of learning beyond formal instruction.

See also: ajar, mengajar, belajar, mata pelajaran, kurikulum.