Significado
Requesting someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Contexto cultural
In Javanese culture, speaking slowly and softly is a sign of high social status and refinement ('Alus'). Asking someone to speak 'pelan-pelan' is often seen as very natural. Batak speakers are known for being more direct and loud. You might need to use 'Tolong' more firmly here, but it is still well-received. In tourist areas, locals are very used to this phrase. They will often switch to 'English-Indonesian' mix to help you out. The pace of life in Jakarta is fast, and so is the speech. Using 'pelan-pelan' is essential for survival in the capital's hustle.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a gentle 'slow down' hand gesture (palm down, moving up and down) to make your meaning even clearer.
Don't forget the 'ng'
Make sure to pronounce the 'ng' in 'Tolong' clearly. If you just say 'Tolon', it might not be understood.
Significado
Requesting someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Use your hands
Pair the phrase with a gentle 'slow down' hand gesture (palm down, moving up and down) to make your meaning even clearer.
Don't forget the 'ng'
Make sure to pronounce the 'ng' in 'Tolong' clearly. If you just say 'Tolon', it might not be understood.
The 'Sedikit' trick
Adding 'sedikit' (a little) at the end makes you sound much more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to ask someone to speak slowly.
Tolong ______ pelan-pelan.
'Bicara' means to speak. 'Makan' is eat, 'jalan' is walk, and 'tidur' is sleep.
Which word makes the sentence a polite request for a favor?
______ bicara pelan-pelan.
'Tolong' is the correct word for asking someone to do something for you.
Match the Indonesian words with their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase.
Choose the best response for the learner.
Local: (Speaks very fast) 'Halo, selamat datang di toko kami, ada yang bisa saya bantu?' Learner: '...'
When someone speaks too fast, this is the most appropriate response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Tolong vs Silakan
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosTolong ______ pelan-pelan.
'Bicara' means to speak. 'Makan' is eat, 'jalan' is walk, and 'tidur' is sleep.
______ bicara pelan-pelan.
'Tolong' is the correct word for asking someone to do something for you.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the core components of the phrase.
Local: (Speaks very fast) 'Halo, selamat datang di toko kami, ada yang bisa saya bantu?' Learner: '...'
When someone speaks too fast, this is the most appropriate response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all! In Indonesian culture, it is seen as a sign of respect that you want to understand them correctly.
Yes, but adding 'Tolong' makes it much more polite. Just saying 'Pelan-pelan' can sound like a command to a child.
'Pelan' usually refers to speed or volume (soft/slow). 'Lambat' is more about being late or taking a long time to do something.
Actually, it's best to use neither! Indonesian often drops the pronoun. If you must, use 'Pak' (for men) or 'Bu' (for women).
It means 'Please' when asking for help. For 'Please come in' or 'Please eat', you use 'Silakan'.
You can say 'Lebih pelan-pelan' (More slowly).
Yes, but use 'Mohon' instead of 'Tolong' to sound more professional.
This is called reduplication. It's how Indonesian turns many adjectives into adverbs.
You can say 'Maaf, sekali lagi?' (Sorry, one more time?) and repeat the request.
Young people might say 'Slow aja, Kak' (Just slow, bro/sis).
Frases relacionadas
Bisa diulang?
similarCan you repeat?
Apa artinya?
builds onWhat does it mean?
Jangan cepat-cepat
contrastDon't be fast.
Saya tidak mengerti
similarI don't understand.
