Both harus and harusnya come from the same root, but they express different kinds of obligation.
Learners often mix them up because they look similar, but the tone and meaning are not the same.
1. HARUS = must / have to (strong obligation)
Harus expresses a clear, definite obligation — something that must be done.
Use harus when:
- there is a rule
- there is a strict requirement
- you want to say something is necessary
Examples
Saya harus pergi sekarang.
I must go now.
Kamu harus belajar buat ujian.
You have to study for the exam.
Kita harus pakai helm.
We must wear a helmet.
Tone: strong, direct, certain.
2. HARUSNYA = should / supposed to (expectation, advice, or regret)
Harusnya expresses a softer, less strict obligation.
It is used for:
- giving advice
- expressing expectation
- expressing mild criticism
- showing regret (“should have…”)
Meanings of “harusnya” in context:
a) Should (advice)
Harusnya kamu istirahat.
You should rest.
b) Supposed to
Dia harusnya datang jam 8.
He was supposed to come at 8.
c) Should have (regret)
Harusnya aku nggak bilang begitu.
I shouldn’t have said that.
Tone: softer, more emotional, more flexible.
3. Simple Difference
| Word | Meaning | Tone | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| harus | must / have to | strong, direct | rules, necessities, obligations |
| harusnya | should / supposed to | soft, advisory, regretful | advice, expectations, criticism, “should have” |
4. Example Sentence Pairs
Kamu harus tidur lebih cepet.
You must sleep earlier. (strong advice / rule)
Kamu harusnya tidur lebih cepet.
You should sleep earlier. (gentle suggestion)
Dia harus datang hari ini.
He must come today. (obligation)
Dia harusnya datang hari ini.
He was supposed to come today. (expectation)
Aku harus pergi sekarang.
I must go now.
Aku harusnya tadi pergi lebih cepat.
I should have gone earlier. (regret)
5. Quick Formula to Remember
- harus = must (strict requirement)
- harusnya = should / supposed to (soft, advice, regret)
10 Practice Questions (Harus vs Harusnya)
- Kamu ___ belajar sekarang karena besok ada ujian.
- Kita ___ berangkat lebih pagi supaya tidak macet.
- Dia ___ sampai di kantor jam 9, tapi dia datang jam 10.
- Aku pikir kamu ___ kasih tau aku lebih awal.
- Mereka ___ pakai helm waktu naik motor.
- Tadi kita ___ makan di luar, tapi akhirnya hujan.
- Kamu ___ minum obat ini tiga kali sehari.
- Dia ___ datang ke rapat, tapi dia lupa.
- Anak-anak ___ tidur lebih cepat malam ini.
- Tadi kita ___ menang kalau kita latihan lebih banyak.
