Signification
Apology for not being on time
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Jam Karet' (Rubber Time) means people are often 15-30 minutes late. However, saying 'Maaf saya terlambat' is still mandatory to show you respect the host. In the capital, traffic (macet) is a universally accepted excuse. If you say 'Maaf saya terlambat karena macet,' people will usually nod in sympathetic agreement. When apologizing to an elder in Java, it is polite to lower your shoulders and avoid direct eye contact for a moment to show humility (andhap asor). On WhatsApp, 'Maaf baru balas' (Sorry just replying) is the digital equivalent of 'Maaf saya terlambat'. It is used even if the delay was only an hour.
Add a Reason
In Indonesia, a reason (even a vague one) makes an apology feel more sincere. Use 'karena...'
Don't use 'Adalah'
Never say 'Saya adalah terlambat'. It sounds like a robot translating from English.
Signification
Apology for not being on time
Add a Reason
In Indonesia, a reason (even a vague one) makes an apology feel more sincere. Use 'karena...'
Don't use 'Adalah'
Never say 'Saya adalah terlambat'. It sounds like a robot translating from English.
The 'Ya' Factor
Adding 'ya' at the end (Maaf terlambat ya) makes the apology sound softer and more natural among friends.
The 'Mohon' Upgrade
If you are more than 15 minutes late for a business meeting, upgrade 'Maaf' to 'Mohon maaf' to show extra respect.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the apology for a teacher.
Maaf Pak, saya ______ masuk kelas.
'Terlambat' is the correct word for being late. 'Lama' means long duration, 'nanti' means later, and 'cepat' means fast.
Fill in the missing word for a casual apology to a friend.
Maaf ya ______, tadi macet banget.
'Telat' is the informal version of 'terlambat', perfect for friends.
Match the apology to the correct situation.
1. Mohon maaf atas keterlambatan saya. 2. Sori telat ya!
Formal language is for high-status individuals; slang is for family/friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kamu di mana? Rapat sudah mulai. B: Maaf saya terlambat, saya ______ di jalan.
'Terjebak macet' (stuck in traffic) is the most common and logical reason for being late in Indonesia.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Terlambat vs. Lama
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMaaf Pak, saya ______ masuk kelas.
'Terlambat' is the correct word for being late. 'Lama' means long duration, 'nanti' means later, and 'cepat' means fast.
Maaf ya ______, tadi macet banget.
'Telat' is the informal version of 'terlambat', perfect for friends.
1. Mohon maaf atas keterlambatan saya. 2. Sori telat ya!
Formal language is for high-status individuals; slang is for family/friends.
A: Kamu di mana? Rapat sudah mulai. B: Maaf saya terlambat, saya ______ di jalan.
'Terjebak macet' (stuck in traffic) is the most common and logical reason for being late in Indonesia.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but 'telat' is informal. Use 'terlambat' for teachers and bosses, and 'telat' for friends.
Yes, if you are only a minute or two late, a simple 'Maaf' with a smile is often enough.
Text 'Maaf telat' or 'Sori telat ya'.
Indonesian grammar doesn't use a 'to be' verb for adjectives or states of being.
It means 'Rubber Time', referring to the flexible approach to punctuality in Indonesia.
Yes, it is still considered polite to acknowledge your own lateness.
Say 'Maaf saya kesiangan'.
Yes, 'Sori' is very common in urban areas among young people and in casual workplaces.
Say 'Maaf sudah menunggu'.
It's better to say 'Maaf saya terlambat membayar'.
It often indicates an accidental state or something that has already happened.
It depends. In social settings, it's often expected. In formal business, it's increasingly frowned upon.
Expressions liées
Maaf telat
informalSorry I'm late (casual)
Mohon maaf
specialized formI humbly apologize
Kesiangan
similarTo wake up late
Tepat waktu
contrastOn time
Menunggu
builds onTo wait
