What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bahan
Example
The carpenter needed to buy some bahan to build the new furniture. [bahan: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for various bahan such as flour, sugar, and eggs. [bahan: noun]
materials
Example
The architect selected high-quality materials for the construction of the building. [materials: noun]
Example
Make sure you have all the necessary materials before starting the science experiment. [materials: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Materials is more commonly used than bahan in English language. Materials is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while bahan is specific to Indonesian language and is commonly used in everyday conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bahan and materials?
While bahan is typically associated with a casual and informal tone in Indonesian language, materials is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts in English.
