Dapat — Can, Get, and the Word Family

One word, two meanings — and why they are not as different as they seem

Two Meanings

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2 rows
MeaningExampleTranslation
can / to be able toSaya dapat berbicara bahasa Indonesia.I can speak Indonesian.
to get / to receiveDia dapat hadiah.He got a prize.

Think of dapat as "to have access to something": can you do it? You have access to the ability. Did you receive it? You gained access to it. Both meanings are about reaching something.

The Word Family

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WordMeaningExample
dapatcan / to getSaya dapat nilai bagus. I got a good grade.
mendapatto receive ()Dia mendapat beasiswa. She received a scholarship.
mendapatkanto obtain / acquireKami mendapatkan informasi baru. We obtained new information.
there is / to be found pilihan. There are many options.
didapatkanto be obtained (passive)Obat ini didapatkan di apotek. This is found at a pharmacy.

Dapat vs Bisa vs Mampu

Three words all translate to "can" in English — but they are not interchangeable.

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3 rows
WordUseRegisterExample
general ability / possibilityeveryday speechSaya pergi. I can go.
dapatgeneral ability / possibility writingSaya dapat pergi. I am able to go.
mampuhave the means / can affordany registerSaya mampu membayar. I can afford to pay.
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Practice

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Dia   pekerjaan baru minggu ini.

She got a new job this week.

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