Significado
Indicating that something will happen very soon.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Jam Karet' (Rubber Time) means that 'sebentar lagi' is often an optimistic estimate rather than a literal one. In restaurants, 'sebentar lagi' is a polite way to acknowledge your presence and request patience, even if the kitchen is busy. During the fasting month, 'sebentar lagi buka' (breaking fast soon) is a phrase filled with joy and communal anticipation. Apps like Gojek and Grab use 'sebentar lagi' in their UI to reduce user anxiety during wait times.
The Texting Shortcut
When texting, just write 'bentar lg' or even 'bl'. Everyone will understand you!
The 15-Minute Rule
In Indonesia, 'sebentar lagi' can often mean 15-30 minutes. Don't get stressed; it's just the local pace of life.
Significado
Indicating that something will happen very soon.
The Texting Shortcut
When texting, just write 'bentar lg' or even 'bl'. Everyone will understand you!
The 15-Minute Rule
In Indonesia, 'sebentar lagi' can often mean 15-30 minutes. Don't get stressed; it's just the local pace of life.
Politeness First
Always add 'ya' at the end ('Sebentar lagi ya') to make it sound softer and more polite.
Positioning
If you forget where to put it, just put it at the end of the sentence. It's almost always correct there.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank to say 'The bus is coming soon.'
Bis akan datang _______ ____.
'Sebentar lagi' is the correct phrase for 'soon'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend you are almost at their house?
Choose the best option:
'Sebentar lagi' indicates you are very close to arriving.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a seller.
Pembeli: 'Kapan barangnya dikirim?' Penjual: 'Sabar ya Kak, barang akan dikirim _______ ____.'
The seller is reassuring the customer that the item will be sent soon.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are watching the sunset and it's almost dark.
This describes an event that is about to happen.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Sebentar Lagi vs. Nanti
Common Pairings
Verbs
- • Sampai
- • Mulai
- • Selesai
Nouns
- • Hujan
- • Lebaran
- • Film
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosBis akan datang _______ ____.
'Sebentar lagi' is the correct phrase for 'soon'.
Choose the best option:
'Sebentar lagi' indicates you are very close to arriving.
Pembeli: 'Kapan barangnya dikirim?' Penjual: 'Sabar ya Kak, barang akan dikirim _______ ____.'
The seller is reassuring the customer that the item will be sent soon.
Situation: You are watching the sunset and it's almost dark.
This describes an event that is about to happen.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss. For extremely formal TV news, use 'sesaat lagi'.
It's subjective! Usually 1 to 15 minutes, but for big events (like a holiday), it can mean a few days.
No, it is only for the future. For the past, use 'baru saja' (just now).
'Segera' is more urgent and official, like 'immediately'. 'Sebentar lagi' is more casual and relaxed.
It's just a shorter, more casual version. Indonesians love shortening words!
Yes, if you are asked when you can start: 'Saya bisa mulai sebentar lagi.'
Yes, it always refers to a short time until an event occurs.
Very similar! Both have that 'flexible' sense of time.
No, that's incorrect. Just say 'sebentar lagi'.
You can say 'sebentaraaaa lagi' (stretching the sound) or 'sebentar lagi banget'.
Yes, many famous Indonesian pop songs use this phrase in their titles and lyrics.
Yes, 'Sebentar lagi sampai' is the most common phrase used on trains and buses.
Frases relacionadas
Sesaat lagi
synonymIn a moment
Segera
similarImmediately / Soon
Dalam waktu dekat
similarIn the near future
Nanti
contrastLater
Baru saja
contrastJust now
Dikit lagi
specialized formA little bit more
