tetapi

Tetapi is a common coordinating conjunction in Indonesian and Malay that signals a contrast between two clauses. It functions like the English "but" or "however," linking ideas while indicating that the second clause presents an exception, objection, or counterpoint to the first.

In usage, tetapi typically connects two independent clauses and is often preceded by a comma when they are joined in a single sentence. It can also appear at the start of a new sentence, as in formal or careful writing. While tetapi is widely understood and versatile, speakers may choose alternative contrastives such as tetapi could sound more formal or deliberate, whereas tapi is more colloquial and manje casual, and namun or akan tetapi offer other shades of formality or emphasis.

Syntax and nuance are important: tetapi emphasizes the shift or contrast between ideas within the same discourse, rather than simply contrasting a single word or phrase. It contrasts with simple negation or with expectations set in the first clause, helping to present a balanced or nuanced argument in prose and dialogue.

Example sentences:

- Saya ingin pergi ke pantai, tetapi cuaca buruk membuat rencana saya batal.

- Dia berjanji datang, tetapi ternyata tidak bisa hadir.

Tetapi is used in both literary and everyday Indonesian and is a standard entry in reference works such as KBBI. Related words include tapi (colloquial), namun (more formal), and akan tetapi (even more formal variant).