Signification
Asking for permission to look at something.
Contexte culturel
Asking permission is a sign of 'Sopan Santun' (good manners). It is better to ask even if the object is clearly for public viewing. In Javanese culture, directness can be seen as rude. Using 'Boleh saya lihat?' softens the request and shows respect for the owner's hierarchy. When visiting temples or viewing sacred objects, always ask 'Boleh saya lihat?' before approaching, as some areas are restricted. In fast-paced Jakarta, 'Boleh lihat?' is often shortened, but the polite tone remains essential in service interactions.
The Power of a Smile
In Indonesia, pairing 'Boleh saya lihat?' with a small smile and a slight nod makes the request much more effective.
Don't Touch Yet!
Wait for the person to say 'Boleh' or 'Silakan' before you actually reach out to touch the object.
Signification
Asking for permission to look at something.
The Power of a Smile
In Indonesia, pairing 'Boleh saya lihat?' with a small smile and a slight nod makes the request much more effective.
Don't Touch Yet!
Wait for the person to say 'Boleh' or 'Silakan' before you actually reach out to touch the object.
Use 'Bolehkah' for Elders
If you are talking to someone much older or in a high position, use 'Bolehkah' to show extra respect.
The 'Permisi' Buffer
Start the sentence with 'Permisi' (Excuse me) to be even more polite.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to ask for permission politely.
____ saya lihat foto itu?
'Boleh' is the correct word for asking permission.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a market and want to look at a shirt.
This is the most polite and appropriate way to ask.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ini paspor saya. B: Terima kasih. ____ saya lihat tiketnya juga?
The officer is asking for permission to see the ticket.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the formal version of 'May I see?'
The suffix '-kah' and the full verb 'melihat' make it formal.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ saya lihat foto itu?
'Boleh' is the correct word for asking permission.
Situation: You are at a market and want to look at a shirt.
This is the most polite and appropriate way to ask.
A: Ini paspor saya. B: Terima kasih. ____ saya lihat tiketnya juga?
The officer is asking for permission to see the ticket.
Choose the formal version of 'May I see?'
The suffix '-kah' and the full verb 'melihat' make it formal.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, in very casual settings, if someone holds something up, you can just say 'Boleh?' with a questioning tone.
'Melihat' is the formal version with a prefix. In daily conversation, 'lihat' is much more common.
Not at all! It is one of the most polite ways to ask for something in Indonesian.
Just add 'itu' at the end: 'Boleh saya lihat itu?'.
Use 'ini': 'Boleh saya lihat ini?'.
No, it's for objects or information. To see a person, you would use 'bertemu' (meet).
The opposite is 'Tidak boleh' (Not allowed).
No, you can use 'aku' with friends, but 'saya' is safer for learners.
You can say 'Boleh' or 'Silakan' (Please/Go ahead).
Yes, but use the formal 'Bolehkah saya melihat...'.
No, 'watch' (like a movie) is 'menonton'. 'Lihat' is 'look' or 'see'.
In shops, you can just point and say 'Boleh?'.
Expressions liées
Boleh saya pinjam?
similarMay I borrow?
Boleh saya bantu?
similarMay I help?
Silakan lihat-lihat
contrastPlease have a look around
Coba lihat
specialized formLet's see / Try to look
Jangan lihat!
contrastDon't look!
