Meaning
Polite way to interrupt someone.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Sungkan' makes this phrase vital. It's a feeling of being 'uncomfortably respectful' which prevents people from being too direct. In Java, social hierarchy is very strict. Using the formal version of this phrase is a sign of good upbringing ('andhap asor'). In the fast-paced life of Jakarta, 'Maaf ganggu' is used as a quick 'ping' in digital communication to see if someone is available. Students are expected to use this phrase every time they contact a lecturer, regardless of the time of day.
The 'Slight Bow'
When saying this in person, a slight nod or lowering of the head makes it much more authentic.
Don't over-apologize
Saying it once is polite. Saying it repeatedly makes you seem insecure or annoying.
Meaning
Polite way to interrupt someone.
The 'Slight Bow'
When saying this in person, a slight nod or lowering of the head makes it much more authentic.
Don't over-apologize
Saying it once is polite. Saying it repeatedly makes you seem insecure or annoying.
Add 'Waktunya'
Adding 'waktunya' (the time) makes you sound like a native professional.
Digital Etiquette
On WhatsApp, always start with this phrase before asking a question to someone you don't know well.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate phrase to start a phone call with your boss.
Halo Pak, _______. Saya ingin bertanya tentang laporan bulanan.
This is the most formal and respectful option for a professional context.
Fill in the missing prefix to make the verb formal.
Maaf ____ganggu, boleh saya duduk di sini?
The root 'ganggu' starts with 'g', so the prefix 'me-' becomes 'meng-'.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
1. Maaf ganggu ya! | 2. Mohon maaf mengganggu, Bapak. | 3. Maaf mengganggu sebentar.
Informal for friends, 'Mohon' for officials, and 'sebentar' for quick tasks.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Maaf mengganggu, Bu. Boleh saya minta waktunya sebentar? B: Oh, tentu. _______.
'Silakan' (Please/Go ahead) is the standard polite response to an interruption request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Maaf vs Permisi
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHalo Pak, _______. Saya ingin bertanya tentang laporan bulanan.
This is the most formal and respectful option for a professional context.
Maaf ____ganggu, boleh saya duduk di sini?
The root 'ganggu' starts with 'g', so the prefix 'me-' becomes 'meng-'.
1. Maaf ganggu ya! | 2. Mohon maaf mengganggu, Bapak. | 3. Maaf mengganggu sebentar.
Informal for friends, 'Mohon' for officials, and 'sebentar' for quick tasks.
A: Maaf mengganggu, Bu. Boleh saya minta waktunya sebentar? B: Oh, tentu. _______.
'Silakan' (Please/Go ahead) is the standard polite response to an interruption request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, slightly. Use 'Maaf ganggu' or just 'Eh' with close friends.
It's better to use 'Permisi' if you're just getting someone's attention who isn't busy.
'Mohon maaf' is much more formal and humble, used for superiors or formal letters.
It's a common feature of informal Indonesian to shorten verbs by removing prefixes.
In a professional or formal setting, yes, it can be seen as abrupt or 'kurang sopan'.
Usually, it's used at the beginning. At the end, you'd say 'Terima kasih atas waktunya' (Thank you for your time).
Say 'Oh, tidak apa-apa' (Oh, it's okay) or 'Ya, silakan' (Yes, please).
No, but it can be negative if used as a command ('Jangan ganggu!').
It's better to put it in the first sentence of the email body rather than the subject.
Partially, but specifically the 'I'm sorry I'm bothering you' kind of excuse me.
Related Phrases
Permisi
similarExcuse me
Minta maaf
builds onTo apologize
Jangan ganggu
contrastDon't disturb
Mengusik
specialized formTo bother/poke
Sori
synonymSorry (informal)
