Significado
Don't be afraid to ask for directions
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Malu' is central to Indonesian social harmony. It prevents people from being rude, but this proverb is taught from childhood to ensure it doesn't prevent learning. In Javanese culture, 'Ewuh Pakewuh' (a feeling of social unease/reluctance) is strong. This proverb is a vital tool to overcome that reluctance in modern settings. The Minangkabau people of Sumatra are famous for 'Merantau' (wandering/migrating). For them, this proverb is a literal survival guide for young men leaving home for the first time. In the fast-paced life of Jakarta, this proverb is often used ironically when people get lost despite having Google Maps, highlighting that human interaction is still sometimes better than technology.
Use it as an icebreaker
If you are lost, start your conversation with a local by saying 'Maaf, malu bertanya sesat di jalan...' It shows you know the culture and they will be much more likely to help you warmly.
Don't over-rely
While the proverb encourages asking, in a professional setting, try to find the answer yourself for 5 minutes before asking, so you don't seem lazy.
Significado
Don't be afraid to ask for directions
Use it as an icebreaker
If you are lost, start your conversation with a local by saying 'Maaf, malu bertanya sesat di jalan...' It shows you know the culture and they will be much more likely to help you warmly.
Don't over-rely
While the proverb encourages asking, in a professional setting, try to find the answer yourself for 5 minutes before asking, so you don't seem lazy.
The 'Senyum' factor
When asking a question in Indonesia, always pair it with a smile (senyum). The proverb works best when the 'asking' is done politely.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word in this proverb.
Malu bertanya ______ di jalan.
'Sesat' means lost, which is the core consequence mentioned in the proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Malu bertanya sesat di jalan'?
Situation A: You are hungry. Situation B: You don't know the way to the station and are afraid to ask. Situation C: You are tired.
The proverb is specifically about asking for information to avoid getting lost or making mistakes.
Complete the dialogue.
Andi: 'Aku tidak tahu cara pakai mesin ini.' | Budi: 'Tanya saja ke teknisinya. Ingat, ______.'
Budi is encouraging Andi to ask for help to avoid making a mistake.
Match the Indonesian words with their English meanings.
1. Malu, 2. Bertanya, 3. Sesat, 4. Jalan
These are the literal translations of the components of the proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMalu bertanya ______ di jalan.
'Sesat' means lost, which is the core consequence mentioned in the proverb.
Situation A: You are hungry. Situation B: You don't know the way to the station and are afraid to ask. Situation C: You are tired.
The proverb is specifically about asking for information to avoid getting lost or making mistakes.
Andi: 'Aku tidak tahu cara pakai mesin ini.' | Budi: 'Tanya saja ke teknisinya. Ingat, ______.'
Budi is encouraging Andi to ask for help to avoid making a mistake.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the literal translations of the components of the proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, absolutely. While it's an old proverb, it's used daily in schools, offices, and even in memes to remind people to be proactive.
Yes! It is very common to use it when someone is confused about their career or a relationship and needs advice.
'Tanya' is the root word (often used as a noun or in informal commands), while 'bertanya' is the formal verb form used in the proverb.
In a religious context, 'sesat' can mean 'heretical' or 'deviant,' but in this proverb and daily life, it simply means 'lost' or 'wrong way.'
You could, and people would understand, but it's no longer the standard proverb. Stick to 'jalan' for the classic effect.
Frases relacionadas
Guru kencing berdiri, murid kencing berlari
similarStudents follow the example of their teachers.
Sambil menyelam minum air
specialized formDoing two things at once.
Diam itu emas
contrastSilence is golden.
Banyak jalan menuju Roma
similarMany ways to reach Rome.
