The relationship between the Dutch and Indonesian languages dates back centuries, originating from the Dutch colonial period in Indonesia. Over this time, numerous Dutch words found their way into the Indonesian vocabulary, forming a unique linguistic bridge. This phenomenon has resulted in thousands of similar words between the two languages, some retaining their original meaning, while others have evolved with a localized context. Here are 10 examples of such words, along with their meanings and historical relevance.
1. Toko (Dutch: Toko)
In Dutch, “toko” refers to a store or a small shop, particularly one that sells Asian goods. In Indonesian, it has the same meaning, denoting a shop or store in general.
Example in Indonesian: Saya membeli buah di toko. (I bought fruits at the store.)
The word reflects the influence of Dutch trade and commerce during their occupation of Indonesia. Today, it’s widely used in everyday conversation in both languages.
2. Kantor (Dutch: Kantoor)
Derived from the Dutch word “kantoor,” meaning office, “kantor” in Indonesian also refers to a workplace or office building.
Example in Indonesian: Saya bekerja di kantor dekat pusat kota. (I work in an office near the city center.)
This borrowing illustrates the administrative systems introduced by the Dutch, many of which remain integral to modern Indonesian governance and business.
3. Kapal (Dutch: Kapel)
While “kapel” in Dutch means chapel, in Indonesian, “kapal” refers to a ship. The connection lies in their shared etymological roots and maritime history.
Example in Indonesian: Kapal itu berlayar menuju Surabaya. (The ship sailed to Surabaya.)
This linguistic shift highlights the maritime culture shared by both nations during the colonial era.
4. Gratis (Dutch: Gratis)
The word “gratis” retains its meaning in both Dutch and Indonesian: free of charge.
Example in Indonesian: Minuman ini gratis untuk tamu hotel. (This drink is free for hotel guests.)
The term is widely used in Indonesia and serves as a reminder of the shared vocabulary in daily commerce and promotions.
5. Resep (Dutch: Recept)
In Dutch, “recept” means both recipe and prescription, and this dual meaning is carried over into Indonesian as “resep.”
Example in Indonesian: Dokter memberi saya resep obat baru. (The doctor gave me a new prescription.)
This word reflects the influence of Dutch in the medical and culinary fields.
6. Buku (Dutch: Boek)
The Dutch word “boek” translates to book, and its Indonesian counterpart is “buku.”
Example in Indonesian: Saya membaca buku setiap malam sebelum tidur. (I read a book every night before sleeping.)
This borrowing underscores the significant role of Dutch in introducing formal education and literacy to Indonesia.
7. Rantai (Dutch: Rente)
The Dutch word “rente” refers to interest (as in finance), while in Indonesian, “rantai” has shifted to mean chain.
Example in Indonesian: Anjing itu diikat dengan rantai besi. (The dog was tied with an iron chain.)
This divergence in meaning demonstrates the evolution of borrowed words in their new linguistic contexts.
8. Kamar (Dutch: Kamer)
Derived from the Dutch “kamer,” meaning room, “kamar” in Indonesian carries the same meaning.
Example in Indonesian: Saya sedang bersantai di kamar tidur. (I am relaxing in the bedroom.)
The word is a staple in Indonesian, reflecting the influence of Dutch architecture and housing concepts.
9. Meja (Dutch: Tafel/Meubel)
Although “meja” aligns more with the French word for table (mésa), its use in Indonesia was propagated through Dutch interactions, as the Dutch word “meubel” (furniture) also influenced this adaptation.
Example in Indonesian: Buku diletakkan di atas meja. (The book was placed on the table.)
This showcases the cross-cultural exchange during the colonial era.
10. Belanda (Dutch: Nederland)
While “Belanda” is the Indonesian term for the Netherlands, it’s derived from the older Dutch term “Hollanda.”
Example in Indonesian: Keluarga saya pernah tinggal di Belanda. (My family once lived in the Netherlands.)
This word epitomizes the deep historical ties between the two nations, reflecting the identity of the Dutch in Indonesian consciousness.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Shared Vocabulary
The linguistic overlap between Dutch and Indonesian is a testament to centuries of cultural and historical interaction. While the Dutch colonial period has left complex legacies, the shared vocabulary is a fascinating reminder of the interconnectedness of language and history.
These ten examples barely scratch the surface of the thousands of similar words that exist between Dutch and Indonesian. Understanding these connections not only enriches our appreciation for both languages but also underscores the enduring impact of history on modern communication.