Makin Kesini: What's The English Translation?

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Alright, guys, let's dive into figuring out how to translate "makin kesini" into English. This Indonesian phrase is super common, and understanding its nuances will definitely help you sound more natural when speaking with your Indonesian friends or colleagues. So, what does "makin kesini" really mean, and how can we express it accurately in English?

Understanding "Makin Kesini"

First off, let's break down the phrase. "Makin" generally means "more" or "increasingly." "Kesini" means "here" or "to here." So, putting it together, "makin kesini" essentially conveys the idea of something increasing or progressing towards the present, or towards a particular point in time. It often implies a trend or a change that's happening as time goes on.

But here’s the thing: there isn’t always a direct, word-for-word translation that captures the exact feel of "makin kesini." The best English equivalent will depend heavily on the context in which it's used. That's why understanding the underlying meaning is so crucial. We need to consider the situation to pick the most appropriate English phrase.

For instance, if you're talking about the weather getting hotter, "makin kesini makin panas" could translate to "it's getting hotter and hotter" or "it's increasingly hot." The key is to focus on the sense of progression and change over time. Think about how you would naturally express that idea in English, and you'll be on the right track. It's all about capturing the dynamic nature of the original Indonesian phrase.

Another common use of "makin kesini" is when discussing changes in a relationship or a situation. If you say, "Makin kesini, aku makin sayang kamu," you might translate it as "I'm loving you more and more as time goes by" or "I've grown to love you even more." Again, the idea is that the feeling or situation is intensifying or evolving over time. The beauty of language lies in its adaptability, so don’t be afraid to play around with different phrasings to find the one that truly resonates with the original meaning.

Common English Translations

So, what are some common ways to translate “makin kesini” into English? Here are a few options, along with examples to help you understand how they’re used:

Increasingly: This is a pretty straightforward translation that works well in many contexts. For example, "Makin kesini, harga-harga makin mahal" could be translated as "Increasingly, prices are getting more expensive."
More and more: This emphasizes the continuous increase or progression. "Makin kesini, orang-orang makin sadar akan pentingnya lingkungan" could be translated as "More and more, people are becoming aware of the importance of the environment."
As time goes by: This highlights the passage of time as the factor driving the change. "Makin kesini, aku makin mengerti dia" could be translated as "As time goes by, I understand her more and more."
Lately: This is appropriate when you want to talk about recent trends or developments. "Makin kesini, dia sering telat" could be translated as "Lately, he's often late."
These days: Similar to "lately," this focuses on the present period. "Makin kesini, susah cari kerja" could be translated as "These days, it's hard to find a job."

Examples in Context

Let's look at some more examples to really nail down how to use these translations:

Original: "Makin kesini, Jakarta makin macet." Translation: "Jakarta is getting more and more congested." or "Traffic in Jakarta is increasingly bad."
Original: "Makin kesini, teknologi makin canggih." Translation: "Technology is becoming more and more sophisticated." or "Technology is increasingly advanced."
Original: "Makin kesini, aku makin rindu kampung halaman." Translation: "As time goes by, I miss my hometown more and more." or "I've been missing my hometown increasingly lately."
Original: "Makin kesini, dia makin sibuk." Translation: "He's been getting busier and busier lately." or "He's increasingly busy these days."
Original: "Makin kesini, aku merasa hidupku lebih baik." Translation: "As time goes by, I feel my life is getting better." or "Increasingly, I feel like my life is improving."

Tips for Accurate Translation

Okay, so how do you choose the best translation for "makin kesini" in any given situation? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Consider the context: What is the overall topic of the conversation? What is the speaker trying to emphasize?
Think about the time frame: Is the change happening gradually over a long period, or is it a more recent development?
Focus on the feeling: What is the emotional tone of the statement? Is it positive, negative, or neutral?
Don't be afraid to paraphrase: Sometimes, the best translation isn't a direct equivalent, but rather a rephrasing that captures the essence of the original meaning.

For example, if someone says, "Makin kesini, aku merasa makin tua," they might mean "I'm feeling my age more and more these days," or "I'm increasingly aware of getting older." The key is to convey the feeling of aging and the passage of time.

Alternative Phrases

Sometimes, you might want to avoid using "increasingly" or "more and more" repeatedly. Here are some alternative phrases that can convey a similar meaning:

As we move forward: This emphasizes the progression of time and can be useful in formal contexts.
In recent times: This highlights the recent nature of the change.
Over time: This is a general phrase that indicates a gradual change.
With each passing day: This emphasizes the daily progression of the change.

For instance, instead of saying "Increasingly, people are using smartphones," you could say "As we move forward, more people are using smartphones." or "Over time, smartphone usage has increased significantly."

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Translating "makin kesini" into English isn't always a straightforward task, but by understanding the underlying meaning and considering the context, you can choose the most appropriate translation. Remember to focus on the sense of progression, change, and time, and don't be afraid to get creative with your phrasing. With a little practice, you'll be able to express the nuances of "makin kesini" like a pro. Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it in no time! Good luck, and happy translating!