Besar / Kecil
Big / Small
'Lebih besar' = bigger. 'Lebih kecil' = smaller. 'Paling besar' = biggest. 'Paling kecil' = smallest. You can modify almost any adjective this way!
Learn the essential size words "Besar" (Big) and "Kecil" (Small) in Indonesian. These fundamental Bahasa Indonesia adjectives work in shopping, descriptions, giving directions, and dozens of everyday situations.
💬Example Sentences
Ada yang lebih besar?
Do you have a bigger one?
Saya mau yang kecil.
I want the small one.
Tolong satu porsi besar!
Please one large portion!
🏭Cultural Context
Size words in Indonesian are wonderfully flexible. "Besar" and "kecil" apply to physical dimensions, quantities, importance, and even age — "kakak" (older sibling) might be called the "yang besar" (the big one/elder) informally. In Indonesian markets, you'll constantly negotiate size: "ada yang lebih besar?" (do you have something bigger?) or "yang kecil, ada?" (do you have the small one?). Indonesian sizing for clothing can differ significantly from Western standards — Indonesian medium often runs smaller than a Western medium. The concept of "ukuran" (size/measurement) is the broader term, while "besar/kecil" are the quick, conversational descriptors. Knowing these two words immediately makes you a more confident shopper.