Signification
Politely declining an offer.
Contexte culturel
In Javanese culture, direct refusal is often avoided. People might say 'Sampun' (Already) or 'Mboten' (No) with a very soft tone. 'Tidak, terima kasih' is the standard Indonesian equivalent used to maintain this softness. In tourist areas, vendors are used to 'Tidak, terima kasih.' However, a smile and a small nod are essential to show you aren't being rude. The 'Hand-on-Heart' gesture: Placing your right hand on your chest while saying 'Tidak, terima kasih' shows deep sincerity and respect. In Jakarta, 'Gak usah' is very common for declining services like parking help or street offers. It's faster and feels more 'local'.
The Smile is Key
In Indonesia, a smile (senyum) is part of the grammar of politeness. Always smile when saying 'Tidak, terima kasih'.
Use 'Sudah' for Food
If you are full, saying 'Sudah, terima kasih' (Already, thank you) is often more natural than 'Tidak'.
Signification
Politely declining an offer.
The Smile is Key
In Indonesia, a smile (senyum) is part of the grammar of politeness. Always smile when saying 'Tidak, terima kasih'.
Use 'Sudah' for Food
If you are full, saying 'Sudah, terima kasih' (Already, thank you) is often more natural than 'Tidak'.
Avoid Just 'Tidak'
Saying 'Tidak' alone can sound like you are angry or annoyed. Always add the 'terima kasih'.
Teste-toi
Someone offers you a drink but you are not thirsty. What do you say?
Mau minum? ...
'Tidak, terima kasih' is the standard polite way to decline.
Complete the informal version of the phrase.
Enggak, ...
'Makasih' is the informal short form of 'terima kasih'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A street vendor is very persistent.
Adding 'Maaf' (Sorry) makes the refusal more polite but firm.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mau tambah nasi lagi? B: ..., saya sudah kenyang.
You use 'Tidak' to decline the offer of more food.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMau minum? ...
'Tidak, terima kasih' is the standard polite way to decline.
Enggak, ...
'Makasih' is the informal short form of 'terima kasih'.
Situation: A street vendor is very persistent.
Adding 'Maaf' (Sorry) makes the refusal more polite but firm.
A: Mau tambah nasi lagi? B: ..., saya sudah kenyang.
You use 'Tidak' to decline the offer of more food.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsSometimes, yes. If you shake your head slightly and say 'Terima kasih,' it can imply 'No, thank you.' However, as a learner, 'Tidak, terima kasih' is clearer.
Not rude, but informal. Use it with friends, taxi drivers, or people younger than you. Use 'Terima kasih' for elders or in formal settings.
'Tidak' is formal/standard. 'Enggak' (or 'Gak') is informal/everyday speech. They mean the same thing.
'Gak usah' means 'No need.' It's very common when declining help or an offer of an object.
Yes, it is the best way to decline. If they persist, repeat it firmly but politely with a smile.
Yes, 'Gak, makasih' is the shortest common version.
A full bow isn't necessary, but a slight nod of the head is very common and polite.
No, 'Bukan' is only for negating what something *is*. Use 'Tidak' for declining an offer.
You can say 'Tidak mau, terima kasih,' but 'Tidak, terima kasih' already implies that.
Say 'Tidak, terima kasih, cuma lihat-lihat.'
Expressions liées
Sama-sama
similarYou're welcome
Gak usah
informalNo need
Maaf
builds onSorry
Sudah
similarAlready
