tentang

Tentang is a preposition used in Indonesian and Malay to indicate the topic or subject of something. It serves to introduce what a statement, text, or discussion is about.

It is typically followed by a noun phrase, as in "buku tentang sejarah Indonesia" or "artikel ini tentang perubahan iklim." It can also pair with pronouns or proper nouns, for example "tentang dia" or "tentang proyek itu." In formal writing, it remains common in everyday language and media; more formal alternatives include "mengenai" and "berkenaan dengan," which convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuance.

Usage notes: "Tentang" signals focus on a theme rather than location or possession. In headlines or summaries, it provides a quick indicator of subject matter. In some contexts, especially formal prose, writers may choose "mengenai" instead to achieve a more formal tone.

Examples:

Artikel ini tentang perubahan iklim.

Buku ini tentang sejarah Indonesia.

Dia berbicara tentang masa depannya.

See also: mengenai, berkenaan dengan, seputar.