Signification
Asking for permission or stating it's okay
Contexte culturel
The 'Boleh' Softener: Indonesians often add 'boleh' to a suggestion to make it sound less bossy. Instead of 'Eat this,' they say 'Boleh dicoba ini' (This can be tried). In Java, hierarchy is very important. While 'boleh' is used, the tone and body language (a slight bow) often accompany the word to show 'Unggah-ungguh' (etiquette). On Indonesian Twitter/X, 'Boleh juga' is used as a meme-like reaction to a clever comeback or a good recommendation, similar to 'I'll allow it' or 'Not bad.' Bargaining is a social game. Using 'boleh' is the polite way to play. If a seller says 'Belum boleh,' it means 'Not yet,' which is an invitation to keep negotiating.
The 'Boleh' Response
When someone offers you food, just say 'Boleh' with a smile. It's the most natural way to say 'Yes, please!'
Don't 'Boleh' your skills
If you say 'Saya boleh main gitar,' people will wait for you to ask your parents for permission. Use 'bisa'!
Signification
Asking for permission or stating it's okay
The 'Boleh' Response
When someone offers you food, just say 'Boleh' with a smile. It's the most natural way to say 'Yes, please!'
Don't 'Boleh' your skills
If you say 'Saya boleh main gitar,' people will wait for you to ask your parents for permission. Use 'bisa'!
Boleh juga
Use 'Boleh juga' when you want to sound like a local. It shows you're impressed but keeping it cool.
Softening No
If you have to say no, say 'Maaf, belum boleh' (Sorry, not yet allowed). It sounds much kinder than a flat 'No.'
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word: Permission vs Ability
Saya ____ bicara bahasa Indonesia sedikit.
Speaking a language is a skill/ability, so 'bisa' is the correct choice.
Fill in the blank to ask for permission politely.
____ saya pinjam payungnya? Di luar hujan.
'Bolehkah' is the standard formal way to start a request for permission.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone asks: 'Boleh saya duduk di sini?' (The seat is free)
'Boleh, silakan' is the most natural and polite way to grant permission.
Complete the dialogue at a market.
Pembeli: 'Pak, mangganya satu kilo 20 ribu, ____?' Penjual: 'Boleh, ambil saja.'
In bargaining, you ask if the price is 'allowed' or 'acceptable' using 'boleh'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Boleh Phrases
Asking
- • Boleh saya...?
- • Bolehkah...?
- • Boleh minta...?
Answering
- • Boleh.
- • Tentu boleh.
- • Boleh, silakan.
Idioms
- • Boleh juga.
- • Boleh dibilang...
- • Boleh-boleh saja.
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSaya ____ bicara bahasa Indonesia sedikit.
Speaking a language is a skill/ability, so 'bisa' is the correct choice.
____ saya pinjam payungnya? Di luar hujan.
'Bolehkah' is the standard formal way to start a request for permission.
Someone asks: 'Boleh saya duduk di sini?' (The seat is free)
'Boleh, silakan' is the most natural and polite way to grant permission.
Pembeli: 'Pak, mangganya satu kilo 20 ribu, ____?' Penjual: 'Boleh, ambil saja.'
In bargaining, you ask if the price is 'allowed' or 'acceptable' using 'boleh'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, 'boleh' is for permission. Use 'mungkin' for 'maybe'.
'-kah' is a question particle. 'Bolehkah' is just a more formal way to ask 'May I?'.
Yes, but 'Bolehkah saya...' or 'Mohon izin...' is even better in very formal offices.
The direct way is 'Tidak boleh,' but it's more polite to say 'Maaf, jangan dulu' (Sorry, not yet).
No, Indonesian doesn't change verbs for tense. You just add 'tadi' (earlier) or 'dulu' (before) if needed.
Yes, 'Boleh minta tolong?' is very common and polite.
It means 'it's perfectly fine' or 'I don't mind at all.'
Yes, but in Malaysia, 'boleh' is often used for both permission and ability (like English 'can'). In Indonesia, we separate them.
Yes! If someone suggests a great idea, shouting 'Boleh!' means 'I'm in!'
It's a noun meaning 'ability' or 'talent,' but it's less common than 'kemampuan.'
It's a casual way to say 'This is a good option' or 'I'm interested in this.'
Yes, 'bolehkan' is the verb form 'to allow,' usually used as 'memperbolehkan.'
Expressions liées
Silakan
similarPlease / Go ahead
Bisa
contrastCan / Able to
Mungkin
similarMaybe
Izin
specialized formPermission / Leave
Dilarang
contrastForbidden
Boleh juga
specialized formNot bad / That works
