Polite requests, formal introductions, and courtesy phrases.
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Permisi, Pak.
Excuse me, sir. ('Pak' (sir/Mr) and 'Bu' (ma'am/Mrs) are added to politely address older adults — used constantly.)
Permisi, Bu.
Excuse me, miss. ('Bu' is for an older/married woman; 'Mbak' for a younger woman.)
Bisa minta airnya?
Can you pass me the water? (Literally 'can ask the-water?' — Indonesian doesn't say 'give me' directly, you 'ask for'.)
Bisa minta garamnya?
Can you pass me the salt?
Apakah Anda berkenan membantu saya?
Would you mind helping me? ('Anda' = formal 'you'; 'berkenan' = willing/pleased. Formal register.)
Saya mau segelas air.
I'd like a glass of water. ('Se-' + 'gelas' (glass) = 'one glass'. 'Se-' = one, recurring everywhere.)
Bisa tolong fotokan saya?
Could you take a picture for me? ('-kan' on a verb often makes it 'do X for someone' — 'fotokan' = take a photo for.)
Sepertinya kita belum kenal. Nama saya…
I don't think we've met. My name is… ('Belum' = not yet (vs 'tidak' = not). Indonesian distinguishes 'not yet' vs 'not'.)
Saya mau mengenalkan teman saya.
I'd like to introduce a friend to you. ('Mengenalkan' = to introduce, from 'kenal' (know a person) + meN-...-kan.)
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Scan the QR-Code with your phone camera to unlock this phraseset in the app.
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