Significado
Asking someone to pause briefly
Contexto cultural
In the fast-paced life of Jakarta, 'Tunggu dulu' is often shortened to just 'Bentar' or 'Bentar ya'. It's used constantly in traffic, in malls, and in office corridors. Javanese people value 'Alon-alon asal kelakon' (Slow but sure). 'Tunggu dulu' fits this philosophy perfectly, emphasizing that it's better to wait and be prepared than to rush and fail. In traditional markets, 'Tunggu dulu' is a tactical phrase. It's used by the buyer to stop the seller from packing an item before the final price is agreed upon. On social media and TikTok, 'Tunggu dulu' is often used as a hook in videos to stop people from scrolling. It's the Indonesian equivalent of 'Wait for it...' or 'Hold on, look at this'.
The Hand Gesture
Pair 'Tunggu dulu' with a flat palm facing the person (like a stop sign) to make it instantly understood, even in noisy places.
Tone Matters
If you say it too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are angry. Keep your voice soft to remain polite.
Significado
Asking someone to pause briefly
The Hand Gesture
Pair 'Tunggu dulu' with a flat palm facing the person (like a stop sign) to make it instantly understood, even in noisy places.
Tone Matters
If you say it too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are angry. Keep your voice soft to remain polite.
The 'Ya' Add-on
Adding 'ya' at the end ('Tunggu dulu, ya') makes it sound much friendlier and more like a request than a command.
Texting Shortcut
When texting, just use 'bentar' or 'btr'. Everyone will understand.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank to ask your friend to wait because you want to buy water.
____ ____, saya mau beli air minum.
'Tunggu dulu' is the correct phrase to ask someone to pause.
Which phrase is the MOST polite way to ask a teacher to wait?
Asking a teacher to wait:
'Mohon' and 'sebentar' add the necessary level of respect for a formal situation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on the phone and need to find a pen.
You need the person on the other end to pause while you search.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ayo kita berangkat sekarang! B: ________, saya belum pakai sepatu.
B needs to pause the action of leaving because they aren't ready.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations and nuances.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Ayudas visuales
Tunggu Dulu vs Nanti Dulu
Where you'll hear it
Street
- • Traffic
- • Walking
- • Public Transport
Home
- • Cooking
- • Getting ready
- • Phone calls
Market
- • Bargaining
- • Ordering
- • Paying
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejercicios____ ____, saya mau beli air minum.
'Tunggu dulu' is the correct phrase to ask someone to pause.
Asking a teacher to wait:
'Mohon' and 'sebentar' add the necessary level of respect for a formal situation.
You are on the phone and need to find a pen.
You need the person on the other end to pause while you search.
A: Ayo kita berangkat sekarang! B: ________, saya belum pakai sepatu.
B needs to pause the action of leaving because they aren't ready.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the standard translations and nuances.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt's okay for a casual boss, but 'Mohon tunggu sebentar' is safer and more professional.
'Dulu' means 'first', while 'sebentar' means 'a moment'. They are often interchangeable in this phrase.
Yes, but it sounds very blunt and like a direct command. 'Dulu' makes it sound more natural.
Usually anywhere from 5 seconds to 5 minutes. If it's longer, people will get impatient!
No, 'dulu' means 'first'. You can use it with other verbs like 'Makan dulu' (Eat first).
Yes, 'Bentar dulu' or just 'Bentar' is the most common slang version.
It's a bit too casual for a formal email. Use 'Mohon tunggu konfirmasi kami' instead.
Use 'Tunggu agak lama' or 'Tunggu sampai besok'.
It's a cultural way to soften actions and show that things happen in a sequence.
It's spelled 'Tunggu dulu'. Some regional accents might drop the 'T' slightly.
Yes, it's perfect for that. Just tap your head and say 'Tunggu dulu...'
Yes, though Malaysians might use 'Tunggu kejap' more frequently.
Frases relacionadas
Tunggu sebentar
similarWait a moment
Nanti dulu
contrastNot yet / Later
Sabar dulu
builds onBe patient first
Bentar ya
specialized formWait a sec (casual)
Tunggu saja
similarJust wait
