seperti

Seperti is a common word in Indonesian and Malay that expresses similarity or comparison. It can function as a preposition meaning "like" or "as," or as a conjunction introducing a dependent clause, similar to the English word "as" or "like."

As a preposition, seperti introduces a noun or pronoun to indicate similarity. Examples include: Dia berjalan seperti kuda (He walked like a horse). Makanan ini seperti buah apel (This food is like an apple). It can also precede adjectives to compare qualities, as in rumah itu seperti istana (that house is like a palace). Seperti sering appears in everyday speech to draw a direct comparison.

As a conjunction, seperti can introduce a clause that explains or elaborates a point, often equivalent to "as" or "like" in reference to what was stated. For example: Seperti yang saya katakan sebelumnya, kita perlu berhati-hati (As I said earlier, we need to be careful). It is also used in phrases that set up examples, such as, Buah-buahan seperti apel, jeruk, dan pisang (Fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas).

Nuances and synonyms: Seperti conveys direct similarity and is generally neutral in tone. Synonyms include ibarat and bagai, which may appear in more literary or formal contexts, while seumpama is an archaic or poetic alternative. Seperti is versatile and widely used in both spoken and written Indonesian and Malay.

Etymology and regional usage: Seperti derives from Malayic roots and is common across Indonesian and Malay varieties. While nearly identical in meaning, usage may vary slightly with dialect and formality, but dochanges in everyday communication remain minimal.