Significado
Politely asking for a brief interruption
Contexto cultural
Indonesians value 'Sopan Santun' (etiquette). Interrupting without saying 'Maaf' is considered very rude and 'tidak berbudaya' (uncultured). In Java, the concept of 'Alus' (refinement) is key. 'Maaf sebentar' is often accompanied by a slight bow and a hand gesture where the thumb points the way. In meetings, 'Maaf sebentar' is used to manage the flow. It's common for people to take urgent calls, but they always use this phrase first. In WhatsApp chats, people often type 'Bentar ya' or 'Bntr' to signal they are stepping away from their phone.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Maaf sebentar' to pass someone, hold your right hand out with the thumb pointing up. It's the 'polite pass' gesture.
Don't over-apologize
If you say 'Maaf' too many times for a tiny thing, it can actually make the other person feel awkward.
Significado
Politely asking for a brief interruption
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Maaf sebentar' to pass someone, hold your right hand out with the thumb pointing up. It's the 'polite pass' gesture.
Don't over-apologize
If you say 'Maaf' too many times for a tiny thing, it can actually make the other person feel awkward.
Add 'Ya'
Always add 'ya' at the end when talking to friends. It makes you sound 100% more natural.
Eye Contact
Make brief eye contact when saying this, then look away or at the task you are doing. It shows sincerity.
Teste-se
You are talking to your teacher and your phone rings. What do you say?
______, Pak. Ada telepon.
'Maaf sebentar' is the most polite way to pause a conversation with an elder.
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase sound friendlier.
Maaf sebentar, __.
Adding 'ya' at the end is the standard way to soften requests in Indonesian.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You need to go to the restroom during a dinner with friends.
'Ke belakang' is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet, combined with 'Maaf sebentar'.
Complete the dialogue between a shopkeeper and a customer.
Customer: 'Berapa harganya?' Shopkeeper: '______, saya cek dulu.'
The shopkeeper needs a moment to check the price, so they use 'Maaf sebentar'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Maaf vs Permisi
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios______, Pak. Ada telepon.
'Maaf sebentar' is the most polite way to pause a conversation with an elder.
Maaf sebentar, __.
Adding 'ya' at the end is the standard way to soften requests in Indonesian.
Situation: You need to go to the restroom during a dinner with friends.
'Ke belakang' is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet, combined with 'Maaf sebentar'.
Customer: 'Berapa harganya?' Shopkeeper: '______, saya cek dulu.'
The shopkeeper needs a moment to check the price, so they use 'Maaf sebentar'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or at a shop. To make it formal, say 'Mohon maaf sebentar'.
Only with very close friends. To anyone else, it sounds rude or impatient.
'Sebentar' is the everyday word. 'Sekejap' is more formal or used to mean 'an even shorter time'.
A full bow isn't necessary, but a slight nod of the head is a very nice cultural touch.
No, if you are late, say 'Maaf, saya terlambat'. 'Maaf sebentar' is for interrupting, not for being late.
'Maaf sebentar ya' is perfect for this situation.
Yes, in big cities, people say 'Sorry ya' instead of 'Maaf sebentar ya'.
You can say 'Maaf, agak lama' (Sorry, it will take a while).
No, for a taxi, just wave or shout 'Mas!'. Once they stop, you can say 'Maaf' if you are asking for a favor.
It is 'sebentar'. 'Benter' is not a word, though 'bentar' is the common informal spelling.
Frases relacionadas
Permisi
similarExcuse me
Tunggu sebentar
similarWait a moment
Minta maaf
builds onTo apologize
Numpang tanya
specialized formMay I ask a question?
Sekejap
synonymAn instant
