Bedeutung
Expressing that a price is higher than expected.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Bargaining is a social skill. If you don't say 'terlalu mahal' at a market, you might be seen as an easy target or simply uninterested in the social aspect of trade. Politeness is key. Even when saying something is too expensive, Javanese people often use a soft tone and a smile to avoid 'membuat malu' (embarrassing) the seller. Known as master traders, the Minang people enjoy the 'art of the deal.' Saying 'terlalu mahal' is expected and respected as part of a sharp business mind. In the capital, 'gengsi' (prestige) is high. People might complain about prices in private but pay them in public to maintain their image.
The 'Waduh' Factor
Always start with an exclamation like 'Waduh!' or 'Aduh!' before saying 'terlalu mahal' to sound more like a local.
Don't be too aggressive
In Indonesia, bargaining is a friendly game. Don't sound angry when you say 'terlalu mahal.'
Bedeutung
Expressing that a price is higher than expected.
The 'Waduh' Factor
Always start with an exclamation like 'Waduh!' or 'Aduh!' before saying 'terlalu mahal' to sound more like a local.
Don't be too aggressive
In Indonesia, bargaining is a friendly game. Don't sound angry when you say 'terlalu mahal.'
Use 'Kemahalan'
If you want to sound 100% like a native speaker in a casual setting, use 'kemahalan' instead of 'terlalu mahal.'
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank to say 'This shirt is too expensive.'
Baju ini _______ mahal.
'Terlalu' is the correct word for 'too.'
Which phrase is the most common informal way to say 'too expensive'?
Choose the best option:
'Kemahalan' is the standard informal/colloquial form.
Complete the bargaining dialogue.
Penjual: 'Harganya seratus ribu, Kak.' | Pembeli: 'Wah, _______! Boleh lima puluh ribu?'
You use 'terlalu mahal' to ask for a lower price.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a luxury mall and see a 50 million IDR watch. You want to tell your friend it's sky-high.
'Selangit' (sky-high) is used for extremely high prices.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenBaju ini _______ mahal.
'Terlalu' is the correct word for 'too.'
Choose the best option:
'Kemahalan' is the standard informal/colloquial form.
Penjual: 'Harganya seratus ribu, Kak.' | Pembeli: 'Wah, _______! Boleh lima puluh ribu?'
You use 'terlalu mahal' to ask for a lower price.
Situation: You are at a luxury mall and see a 50 million IDR watch. You want to tell your friend it's sky-high.
'Selangit' (sky-high) is used for extremely high prices.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenNo, it's not rude if said with the right tone. In markets, it's expected. In formal settings, it's a standard business critique.
Yes, figuratively. You can say a sacrifice was 'terlalu mahal' (too costly).
'Mahal' is the adjective (expensive). 'Kemahalan' is the colloquial way to say 'too expensive.'
No. Supermarkets (Indomaret, Alfamart) have fixed prices. Complaining to the cashier won't change the price.
You can say 'Jauh terlalu mahal' or 'Mahal banget!'
Verwandte Redewendungen
Boleh kurang?
builds onCan it be less?
Harganya selangit
specialized formSky-high price
Murah meriah
contrastCheap and cheerful
Harga pas
contrastFixed price
