Significado
Said when walking through a crowd.
Contexto cultural
The 'Right Hand Rule': Always use your right hand if you are making gestures while saying 'Permisi'. The left hand is traditionally considered 'unclean'. In Central Java, the bow is often deeper. You might hear 'Nyuwun sewu', which is the Javanese equivalent of 'Permisi', even when people are speaking Indonesian. In the fast-paced capital, 'Misi' is often said very quickly, sometimes multiple times in a row ('Misi, misi, misi') to create a rhythmic path through the crowd. Sundanese people are known for extreme politeness. They might add 'Punten' before 'Permisi' to be extra soft.
The 'Ya' Factor
Always add 'ya' at the end ('Permisi, lewat ya') to sound 100% more like a local. It softens the request.
Don't Push
In Indonesia, physical pushing is very rude. Say the phrase first, wait a split second for people to acknowledge, then move.
Significado
Said when walking through a crowd.
The 'Ya' Factor
Always add 'ya' at the end ('Permisi, lewat ya') to sound 100% more like a local. It softens the request.
Don't Push
In Indonesia, physical pushing is very rude. Say the phrase first, wait a split second for people to acknowledge, then move.
Eye Contact
You don't need to make direct eye contact with everyone you pass. A slight downward gaze is actually more polite.
Ponte a prueba
You are in a crowded market and need to get past an old lady. What do you say?
Choose the most polite option:
'Misi Bu, numpang lewat' is the perfect blend of informal respect and the correct verb for passing.
Complete the sentence to sound like a native speaker in a casual setting.
______, lewat ya!
'Misi' is the common informal shortening of 'Permisi'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. Permisi, lewat. | 2. Maaf, saya telat. | 3. Tolong, bantu saya.
1-A (Passing), 2-B (Late), 3-C (Help).
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosChoose the most polite option:
'Misi Bu, numpang lewat' is the perfect blend of informal respect and the correct verb for passing.
______, lewat ya!
'Misi' is the common informal shortening of 'Permisi'.
1. Permisi, lewat. | 2. Maaf, saya telat. | 3. Tolong, bantu saya.
1-A (Passing), 2-B (Late), 3-C (Help).
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, 'Permisi' alone is very common and understood. Adding 'lewat' just makes it more specific that you are passing through.
Not at all! It's just informal. It's perfect for the street, public transport, or with people your own age.
You wouldn't say 'Permisi, lewat' from a car. Instead, you might use a short, polite honk of the horn (the 'social honk').
Usually, with close friends, you can just nudge them or say 'Misi, dong'.
At a formal event, use 'Numpang lewat' or 'Permisi, Bapak/Ibu' with a deeper bow.
Frases relacionadas
Numpang lewat
similarMay I join in passing through.
Silakan lewat
contrastPlease, go ahead and pass.
Kasih jalan
specialized formGive way / Make a path.
Boleh lewat?
builds onCan I pass?
