Meaning
Talking in a low volume
Cultural Background
In Javanese culture, speaking softly is part of 'unggah-ungguh' (etiquette). It shows that a person is 'halus' (refined) and respectful. Public shouting is generally frowned upon and seen as a loss of emotional control ('marah-marah'). Teachers in Indonesia often use a soft but firm voice to maintain authority, rather than shouting. In mosques or churches, 'bicara pelan' is strictly observed to maintain the sanctity of the place.
The Magic Phrase
If a taxi driver or seller is talking too fast, 'Bisa bicara pelan?' is the most polite and effective way to slow them down.
Pelan vs Lambat
Don't use 'lambat' to mean 'quiet'. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Meaning
Talking in a low volume
The Magic Phrase
If a taxi driver or seller is talking too fast, 'Bisa bicara pelan?' is the most polite and effective way to slow them down.
Pelan vs Lambat
Don't use 'lambat' to mean 'quiet'. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Volume and Respect
When talking to someone much older, lowering your volume slightly (bicara pelan) is a sign of great respect.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word to ask someone to speak quietly.
Di perpustakaan, kita harus bicara ______.
'Pelan' is the correct word for quiet volume in a library.
Which sentence is a polite request for someone to slow down their speech?
Choose the best option:
'Bisa bicara pelan?' is a polite way to ask someone to speak more slowly or softly.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A baby is sleeping in the room.
You should speak softly (pelan) so you don't wake the baby.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Maaf, saya tidak dengar. B: Oh, maaf. Saya ______.
If 'A' cannot hear, it's likely because 'B' was speaking too softly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to Bicara Pelan
Places
- • Library
- • Hospital
- • Mosque
People
- • Baby
- • Elderly
- • Teacher
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDi perpustakaan, kita harus bicara ______.
'Pelan' is the correct word for quiet volume in a library.
Choose the best option:
'Bisa bicara pelan?' is a polite way to ask someone to speak more slowly or softly.
Situation: A baby is sleeping in the room.
You should speak softly (pelan) so you don't wake the baby.
A: Maaf, saya tidak dengar. B: Oh, maaf. Saya ______.
If 'A' cannot hear, it's likely because 'B' was speaking too softly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it can also mean 'slow'. Context tells you which one it is.
Yes, 'bicara lembut' means 'speak gently'. It's similar but focuses more on the tone than the volume.
Yes, but only with friends. 'Ngomong' is informal.
The opposite is 'bicara keras' (speak loudly).
Use the word 'berbisik'.
Related Phrases
Berbisik
specialized formTo whisper
Bicara keras
contrastTo speak loudly
Pelan-pelan
similarSlowly / Carefully
Suara rendah
synonymLow voice
Bicara lirih
synonymTo speak softly/faintly
