Signification
Politely accepting an offer or giving permission.
Contexte culturel
In Javanese culture, 'Ya, silakan' is often accompanied by a 'menduduk' (slight bow) and a hand gesture where the right hand is extended with the thumb pointing up. This is the 'Sopan' way to point. In Jakarta, 'Ya, silakan' is used constantly in Gojek/Grab chats. It shows that the user is 'customer-friendly' or that the driver is professional. Sundanese people might replace 'silakan' with 'mangga'. If you are in Bandung and say 'Ya, silakan', you are being polite, but if you say 'Mangga', you are being 'local'. In meetings, 'silakan' is used to manage the 'turn-taking' of speakers. It prevents people from talking over each other, maintaining 'Rukun' (harmony).
The Thumb Gesture
When saying 'Ya, silakan' to invite someone into a room, use your right thumb to point the way. It's the peak of Indonesian politeness.
The 'H' Trap
You will see 'Silahkan' written everywhere in Indonesia. Don't be fooled! If you're taking a formal test (UKBI), use 'Silakan'.
Signification
Politely accepting an offer or giving permission.
The Thumb Gesture
When saying 'Ya, silakan' to invite someone into a room, use your right thumb to point the way. It's the peak of Indonesian politeness.
The 'H' Trap
You will see 'Silahkan' written everywhere in Indonesia. Don't be fooled! If you're taking a formal test (UKBI), use 'Silakan'.
Basa-Basi is Key
Even if you don't want someone to sit next to you, saying 'Ya, silakan' is often expected unless you have a very good reason.
Short and Sweet
If you are in a rush, just 'Silakan' is enough. The 'Ya' just makes it warmer.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the most polite response.
A: Boleh saya duduk di sini? B: ________
'Ya, silakan' is the standard polite way to give permission.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You want to invite a guest to start eating.
'Silakan' is used to invite someone to perform an action.
Which sentence is grammatically correct according to the KBBI?
...
'Silakan' without the 'h' is the standard spelling.
Fill in the blank to give permission.
Boleh saya pinjam HP-mu? Ya, ______.
'Silakan' is the only word here that gives permission.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: Boleh saya duduk di sini? B: ________
'Ya, silakan' is the standard polite way to give permission.
You want to invite a guest to start eating.
'Silakan' is used to invite someone to perform an action.
...
'Silakan' without the 'h' is the standard spelling.
Boleh saya pinjam HP-mu? Ya, ______.
'Silakan' is the only word here that gives permission.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all. It's polite but standard. However, with very close friends, you might just say 'Boleh' or 'Yuk'.
Spelling only. 'Silakan' is the correct dictionary form, but 'Silahkan' is a very common non-standard variant.
No. For 'You're welcome', use 'Sama-sama'. 'Silakan' is only for giving permission or inviting.
Yes, you can say 'Silakan diterima' (Please accept this).
Yes, it is very appropriate. Adding 'Pak' or 'Bu' makes it even better: 'Ya, silakan, Pak'.
You would say 'Maaf, jangan' or 'Maaf, tidak boleh'. 'Silakan' is only for 'Yes'.
No. That is 'Tolong'. 'Silakan' is only for 'Please go ahead'.
Yes, very common. e.g., 'Silakan unduh dokumen ini' (Please download this document).
Use 'Kami persilakan'. This is used in formal ceremonies.
Young people might say 'Gas!' (from 'gas pedal') to mean 'Go for it!'.
Expressions liées
Boleh
similarCan / May
Tolong
contrastPlease (help)
Mari
similarLet's / Come on
Permisi
builds onExcuse me
Silakan saja
specialized formGo right ahead / Feel free
