Indonesian readings / Beginner 2 / Community & City Life

Traditional Market Day

Hari Pasar Tradisional

Hari pasar tradisional datang setiap minggu di kota kecil itu. Sejak subuh, penjual menata meja dan tikar, lalu membuka tenda warna warni. Mereka membawa sayur segar, buah manis, bumbu harum, ikan, daging, serta kue kecil. Udara pagi penuh suara, ada tawar menawar, tawa anak, dan salam ramah antara tetangga. Pembeli berjalan pelan sambil melihat warna, mencium aroma, dan memilih harga yang cocok. Sari datang bersama adiknya. Ia membawa tas kain agar tidak memakai kantong plastik. Ia membeli cabai, tomat, bawang, dan seikat bayam. Adiknya memilih mangga dan pisang untuk camilan sore. Mereka singgah di penjual batik dan keranjang anyaman. Penjual menjelaskan cara membuatnya, sambil menunjukkan pola yang halus. Sari belajar bertanya harga dengan sopan. Ia berkata, boleh kurang sedikit. Penjual tersenyum, lalu memberi harga baru yang lebih baik. Mereka setuju, dan transaksi berlangsung cepat. Sari menghitung uang kembalian dengan hati hati. Menjelang siang, matahari semakin hangat. Pasar makin ramai, tetapi suasana tetap tertib. Warga saling membantu membawa belanjaan berat. Anak anak membantu orang tua. Hari pasar tradisional bukan hanya tempat belanja, tetapi juga tempat bertemu, berbagi kabar, dan menjaga kebiasaan lama.

English Translation

Traditional market day comes every week in that small town. Since dawn, sellers arrange tables and mats, then open colorful tents. They bring fresh vegetables, sweet fruit, fragrant spices, fish, meat, and small cakes. The morning air is full of sounds: bargaining, children’s laughter, and friendly greetings between neighbors. Buyers walk slowly while looking at colors, smelling the aromas, and choosing a price that suits them. Sari arrives with her younger sibling. She carries a cloth bag so she does not use plastic bags. She buys chilies, tomatoes, onions, and a bunch of spinach. Her sibling chooses mangoes and bananas for an afternoon snack. They stop by a batik seller and a stall with woven baskets. The seller explains how to make them, while showing fine patterns. Sari learns to ask the price politely. She says, can it be a little less. The seller smiles, then gives a new, better price. They agree, and the transaction happens quickly. Sari counts the change carefully. Towards noon, the sun grows warmer. The market gets busier, but the atmosphere stays orderly. Residents help each other carry heavy groceries. Children help parents. Traditional market day is not only a place to shop, but also a place to meet, share news, and keep old customs.