“Ada” is one of the most common words in Indonesian. This word, however, can be a bit confusing as it can be used in a few different contexts. In general, there are three uses of “ada”: existence (like there is, there are), to be at a place, and to have.
There is/there are
Ada warung kecil di jalan itu – There is a small warung on that road.
Di Bali ada banyak turis – In Bali, there are many tourists.
To make a negative sentence, just add “tidak” before ada.
Di Indonesia tidak ada salju – In Indonesia there is no snow.
Tidak ada makanan di toko ini – There is no food in this shop.
To ask questions like “is there any/are there any”, simply put ada in front and adjust the intonation of your voice.
Ada pompa bensin dekat sini? – Is there a gas station near here?
Ada kelas bahasa Indonesia malam ini? Is there an English class tonight?
To be at a place
Bapak saya ada di Jakarta sekarang – My father is in Jakarta now.
Komang tidak ada di rumah – Komang is not at home.
Pak Bayu ada? – Is Mr. Bayu in?
To have
Saya ada uang kecil – I have small money (change).
Dia tidak ada rumah di Denpasar – He doesn’t have a house in Denpasar.Kamu ada teman di Ubud? – Do you have a friend in Ubud?
Ok, let’s practice now. Look at sentences below and decide which meaning each sentence belong to
- Ketut tidak ada di pasar.
- Di Badung, ada banyak sekolah international.
- Saya tidak ada mobil.
- Andi ada sepeda motor metik.
- Jim ada di Amerika sekarang.
- Ada banyak sapi di sawah.
- Saya mau bicara dengan Pak Budi. Bapaknya ada?
- Ada warung dekat sini? Saya mau makan.
I hope you understand the use of ‘ada’ now. Happy studyin