Signification
Asking for the current time
Contexte culturel
In Javanese culture, being indirect is polite. You might hear 'Sudah jam berapa?' (It's already what time?) as a hint that it's getting late. In the capital, time is money. 'Jam berapa' is used very directly in business contexts. Balinese people often use 'jam karet' (rubber time) for social events, so 'jam berapa' is often followed by 'jam karet ya?' In more traditional areas, time is often measured by prayer times (e.g., 'after Maghrib').
Add 'Permisi'
Always add 'Permisi' (Excuse me) when asking a stranger for the time to be polite.
Avoid 'Berapa jam'
Don't use 'Berapa jam' unless you want to know the duration of something.
Signification
Asking for the current time
Add 'Permisi'
Always add 'Permisi' (Excuse me) when asking a stranger for the time to be polite.
Avoid 'Berapa jam'
Don't use 'Berapa jam' unless you want to know the duration of something.
Use 'Pukul' for work
If you are in a meeting or writing an email, use 'Pukul' instead of 'Jam'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Permisi, _____ sekarang?
'Jam berapa' is the correct phrase for asking the time.
Which sentence is correct for asking the time?
Choose the correct option:
The others are grammatically incorrect or mean duration.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kita berangkat jam berapa? B: _____.
The question asks for a specific time, so 'Jam tiga' (3 o'clock) is the answer.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesPermisi, _____ sekarang?
'Jam berapa' is the correct phrase for asking the time.
Choose the correct option:
The others are grammatically incorrect or mean duration.
A: Kita berangkat jam berapa? B: _____.
The question asks for a specific time, so 'Jam tiga' (3 o'clock) is the answer.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is perfectly natural in casual conversation.
No, as long as you say 'Permisi' first.
'Jam' is for duration or casual time, 'Pukul' is for specific clock time in formal settings.
You say 'Jam [number]'. For example, 'Jam lima' (5 o'clock).
No, for dates you use 'Tanggal berapa'.
Yes, it is very common in texts.
Yes, it is standard Indonesian.
You can say 'Maaf, saya tidak tahu' (Sorry, I don't know).
Not necessarily, it's optional.
Yes, but 'Pukul berapa' is preferred.
No, use 'Tahun berapa'.
Because 'Jam' is the noun we are asking about.
Expressions liées
Berapa lama
contrastHow long (duration)
Pukul berapa
synonymWhat time (formal)
Jam berapa sekarang
builds onWhat time is it now
Tepat waktu
similarOn time
