Signification
Asking if there is a difficulty or issue.
Contexte culturel
In Javanese culture, direct confrontation is avoided. Asking 'Ada masalah?' might be met with a 'No' (Mboten) even if there is one, to maintain 'Rukun' (harmony). In Jakarta, 'Ada masalah?' can be very blunt. Young people often use 'Ada apa, sih?' or 'Kenapa lo?' to sound more 'gaul' (cool/in-the-know). Batak culture is known for being more direct and outspoken. 'Ada masalah?' here is often a straightforward, honest inquiry with less 'basa-basi'. In modern offices, 'Ada masalah?' is often replaced by 'Ada kendala?' to sound more professional and focus on 'obstacles' rather than 'problems'.
The Power of Intonation
A falling intonation sounds like a statement ('There is a problem'). A rising intonation at the end makes it a question ('Is there a problem?').
Watch Your Eyes
In Indonesia, staring while asking 'Ada masalah?' is considered very aggressive. Keep your gaze soft if you are trying to be helpful.
Signification
Asking if there is a difficulty or issue.
The Power of Intonation
A falling intonation sounds like a statement ('There is a problem'). A rising intonation at the end makes it a question ('Is there a problem?').
Watch Your Eyes
In Indonesia, staring while asking 'Ada masalah?' is considered very aggressive. Keep your gaze soft if you are trying to be helpful.
The 'Sikit' Add-on
If you are the one with the problem, say 'Ada masalah sedikit' (There's a little problem) to sound less alarming.
The 'Basa-basi' Rule
Always start with a greeting like 'Halo' or 'Permisi' before asking 'Ada masalah?' to avoid sounding blunt.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask if there is a problem with the computer.
Ada masalah ______ komputer ini?
'Dengan' means 'with', which is the correct preposition to use after 'masalah' when specifying the object.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a boss if there is a problem?
Pilih kalimat yang paling sopan:
Adding 'Apakah' makes the question formal and complete.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kamu terlihat sedih. ______? B: Iya, kucing saya hilang.
The context of being 'sad' (sedih) makes 'Ada masalah?' the most appropriate inquiry.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a stranger staring at you angrily.
In a confrontational context, 'Ada masalah?' is used to challenge the person's behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAda masalah ______ komputer ini?
'Dengan' means 'with', which is the correct preposition to use after 'masalah' when specifying the object.
Pilih kalimat yang paling sopan:
Adding 'Apakah' makes the question formal and complete.
A: Kamu terlihat sedih. ______? B: Iya, kucing saya hilang.
The context of being 'sad' (sedih) makes 'Ada masalah?' the most appropriate inquiry.
Situation: You see a stranger staring at you angrily.
In a confrontational context, 'Ada masalah?' is used to challenge the person's behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently. It depends on your tone. If said gently, it's helpful. If snapped, it's rude.
No. For 'You're welcome', use 'Sama-sama'. Use 'Gak ada masalah' only to mean 'There are no issues'.
'Masalah' is a general problem. 'Kendala' is a specific obstacle or constraint, usually used in business.
If everything is fine, say 'Gak ada, aman' (None, it's safe/fine). If there is one, say 'Iya, ada...' and explain.
Yes, 'problem' is understood in urban areas, but 'masalah' is much more natural.
Yes, but add 'Pak' or 'Bu' and 'Apakah' for politeness: 'Apakah ada masalah, Pak?'
Mostly, yes. It can also mean 'to have' or 'to be present'.
The 'sih' adds a sense of curiosity or slight annoyance, like 'What's the problem, anyway?'
It can be both. Indonesian doesn't usually change the word for plurals.
Slang versions include 'Ada apa?' or 'Kenapa?' or 'Napa lo?'
Expressions liées
Ada apa?
similarWhat's up? / What's happening?
Ada kendala?
specialized formAre there any obstacles?
Gak ada masalah
contrastNo problem
Masalahnya adalah...
builds onThe problem is...
Bukan masalah
similarNot a problem / It doesn't matter
