Bedeutung
Asking someone to reduce their speaking speed
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Central Java, speaking slowly and softly is a sign of high social status and refinement (Alus). Asking someone to speak 'pelan' might actually be seen as a compliment to their manners. Batak speakers are known for being direct and having a louder, faster speech pattern. Don't be offended if they speak quickly; they will appreciate your directness if you ask them to slow down. In the fast-paced capital, 'pelan-pelan' is often used metaphorically to mean 'take it easy' or 'don't rush into things'. In tourism areas, locals are used to adjusting their speed for foreigners. Using the Indonesian phrase instead of English will often earn you a warmer response and a bigger smile.
The 'Double Pelan' Trick
Saying 'pelan-pelan' instead of just 'pelan' makes you sound much more like a local.
Volume vs. Speed
If the person starts whispering, they thought you meant 'quietly'. Use hand gestures (a 'slow down' motion) to clarify you mean speed.
Bedeutung
Asking someone to reduce their speaking speed
The 'Double Pelan' Trick
Saying 'pelan-pelan' instead of just 'pelan' makes you sound much more like a local.
Volume vs. Speed
If the person starts whispering, they thought you meant 'quietly'. Use hand gestures (a 'slow down' motion) to clarify you mean speed.
Add 'Sedikit'
Adding 'sedikit' (a little) at the end makes the request feel less like a criticism of their speech.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to ask someone to speak slowly.
Bisa ______ pelan?
'Bicara' means to speak. The other options mean eat, sleep, and walk.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a teacher to slow down?
Choose the best option:
Adding 'Maaf' (Sorry) and the title 'Bu' (Madam) makes it the most respectful choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a library and someone is shouting.
In a library, 'pelan' refers to volume (quietly).
Complete the dialogue.
A: [Speaking very fast Indonesian] ... B: Maaf, saya tidak mengerti. ___________?
The context of 'not understanding' usually implies the speed is too fast.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenBisa ______ pelan?
'Bicara' means to speak. The other options mean eat, sleep, and walk.
Choose the best option:
Adding 'Maaf' (Sorry) and the title 'Bu' (Madam) makes it the most respectful choice.
You are in a library and someone is shouting.
In a library, 'pelan' refers to volume (quietly).
A: [Speaking very fast Indonesian] ... B: Maaf, saya tidak mengerti. ___________?
The context of 'not understanding' usually implies the speed is too fast.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! It's very practical. Just ensure your tone is friendly and add 'Maaf' or 'Tolong' for extra politeness.
'Pelan' is more common for speech and can also mean 'quiet'. 'Lambat' is used for speed in a more general or technical sense (like a slow car).
Yes, but use the more formal 'Bisa bicara lebih pelan?' or 'Mohon bicara lebih pelan'.
Use 'Bisa bicara lebih keras?' or 'Bisa bicara lebih lantang?'.
Reduplication is a core feature of Indonesian grammar. For 'pelan', it emphasizes the manner of the action, making it sound more descriptive and natural.
No, it can also mean 'soft' or 'quiet'. Context is key!
Try saying 'Maaf, saya benar-benar tidak mengerti. Tolong, pelan-pelan sekali.' (Sorry, I really don't understand. Please, very slowly.)
'Boleh' is slightly more polite as it asks for permission, but 'Bisa' is more common and perfectly acceptable.
You can say 'Anda bicara terlalu cepat.'
Yes, 'Pelan dikit, bos!' (Slow down a bit, boss!) is very casual.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Pelan-pelan saja
similarJust take it slowly / slow down
Bisa ulangi?
builds onCan you repeat?
Bicara lebih keras
contrastSpeak louder
Jangan cepat-cepat
similarDon't go so fast
