selalu

Selalu is an Indonesian and Malay adverb meaning “at all times” or “always.” It denotes a habitual action, a repeated occurrence, or a universal truth, and is used in both spoken and written language. It can modify verbs, adjectives, or whole clauses, placing emphasis on repetition or constancy.

Etymology and use: The exact origin of selalu is not definitively documented. It is a long-established part of Malay and Indonesian vocabulary, functioning as a general intensifier for time-related or habitual statements. In practice, selalu typically precedes the word it modifies, as in Dia selalu datang tepat waktu (He always arrives on time) and Kita selalu menjaga kebersihan lingkungan (We always keep the environment clean).

Usage notes: Dalam negation, tidak selalu means “not always.” The word is common in formal and informal contexts; in more formal writing, senantiasa is a closely related and often more literary synonym. Other expressions such as terus-menerus convey a sense of ongoing continuity but may carry a stronger nuance of duration rather than simply habitual repetition. Selalu can also describe universal truths, for example, Air selalu mengalir di sungai (Water always flows in rivers), depending on context.

Related terms: Senantiasa is a formal alternative with nearly identical meaning; selamanya means “forever,” which is a stronger, more absolute sense than selalu.

See also: senantiasa, selamanya.