Hal-ichwal
Definition & Context
Noun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
Everything pertaining to a particular “matter”, circumstance, or situation surrounding an event or condition; encompassing all aspects and details thereof.
Synonyms & Variants
ihwal
Archaic form of 'perihal' derived from Arabic, referring to circumstances, matters, or everything surrounding a condition; commonly found in literary texts and old documents.
keadaan
In professional and administrative contexts, refers to a condition or situation along with all its surrounding aspects.
perihal
Modern standard word referring to everything pertaining to a particular matter, condition, or situation in its entirety.
seluk-beluk
Expression encompassing all aspects, details, and intricacies of a matter or affair; used in both formal and informal registers.
urusan
In everyday and casual usage, refers to all matters or affairs that require attention and handling; broader and more informal in scope than 'perihal'.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word hal-ichwal is the Van Ophuijsen orthographic form of the compound word hal ihwal, derived from the Arabic ḥāl (state, condition) and aḥwāl (plural of ḥāl, meaning various conditions or circumstances). In pre-1947 writing conventions, the sound 'kh' was rendered as 'ch', making ichwal the phonetic representation of ikhwal. This term was widely used in literary texts, newspapers, and official documents during the Dutch colonial era through the early years of Indonesian independence. Under the Soewandi Spelling System (1947–1972), the word transitioned with 'u' replacing 'oe', though 'ch' was retained before the word was ultimately standardized as hal ihwal under the Perfected Spelling System (EYD). The hyphen in its older form reflects the compound-word writing conventions of that historical period. (Modern Synonym: hal ihwal)
Real-world Usage
Ia meriwajatkan hal-ichwal Tom jang terjadi di sebuah daerah ketjil di Amerika Oetara. (Ia menceritakan hal ihwal Tom yang terjadi di sebuah daerah kecil di Amerika Utara.)
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
Verified Evidence1

Buku Bahasa Indonesia Untuk S.M.P (Penerbit "Warga", 1972) Buku Bahasa Indonesia Untuk S.M.P (Penerbit "Warga", 1972)
ImageliteratureVerify Context
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