Meaning
Requesting information from a teacher.
Cultural Background
Teachers are highly respected and often considered 'second parents'. Asking a question is seen as a sign of respect for their knowledge. The concept of 'andhap asor' (humility) means you should lower your voice and body slightly when asking a teacher a question. In international schools, the relationship is more egalitarian, and 'tanya guru' can be very direct and informal. The relationship between 'Santri' (student) and 'Kyai/Ustadz' (teacher) is extremely formal. Asking is done with specific religious etiquette.
Use 'Pak' or 'Bu'
Always add 'Pak' (for men) or 'Bu' (for women) after 'guru' to sound more natural and polite.
Avoid 'Minta'
Remember: 'Tanya' is for your brain, 'Minta' is for your hands!
Meaning
Requesting information from a teacher.
Use 'Pak' or 'Bu'
Always add 'Pak' (for men) or 'Bu' (for women) after 'guru' to sound more natural and polite.
Avoid 'Minta'
Remember: 'Tanya' is for your brain, 'Minta' is for your hands!
The 'N' trick
Use 'Nanya' instead of 'Tanya' when talking to classmates to sound like a local.
Body Language
A small nod when the teacher answers shows you are listening and respectful.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word for 'ask'.
Saya mau ___ guru tentang PR.
You use 'tanya' because you are asking a question about homework, not requesting a physical object.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a teacher for help?
Choose the best option:
'Permisi' (Excuse me) and 'saya mau' (I want to) add the necessary politeness for a classroom setting.
Complete the dialogue.
Andi: 'Aku bingung soal nomor 5.' Budi: 'Kalau bingung, sebaiknya kamu ___.'
Asking the teacher is the logical solution to being confused about a school question.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in a formal exam and need to clarify a question.
In a formal exam, 'bertanya' is more appropriate, and the person is an 'pengawas' (proctor/supervisor).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tanya vs Minta
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSaya mau ___ guru tentang PR.
You use 'tanya' because you are asking a question about homework, not requesting a physical object.
Choose the best option:
'Permisi' (Excuse me) and 'saya mau' (I want to) add the necessary politeness for a classroom setting.
Andi: 'Aku bingung soal nomor 5.' Budi: 'Kalau bingung, sebaiknya kamu ___.'
Asking the teacher is the logical solution to being confused about a school question.
Situation: You are in a formal exam and need to clarify a question.
In a formal exam, 'bertanya' is more appropriate, and the person is an 'pengawas' (proctor/supervisor).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's neutral. To be very polite, say 'Permisi Pak/Bu, saya mau bertanya'.
Technically yes, but 'Tanya dosen' is more accurate for university.
'Tanya' is the root used in speech; 'bertanya' is the formal verb form.
Use 'sudah': 'Saya sudah tanya guru'.
Yes, adding 'ke' (to) is very common and sounds natural.
It's an informal prefix 'N-' that replaces the formal 'Me-' or 'Ber-' in casual speech.
Yes, but always start with a polite opening like 'Maaf, mau tanya lagi...'.
Just use 'Pak Guru' or 'Bu Guru'. It's a standard title.
Usually, but it can also mean a spiritual leader or an expert in a field.
Use 'Jangan': 'Jangan tanya guru'.
No! For dating, use 'ajak jalan' or 'tembak'. 'Tanya' is only for information.
'Guru menjawab' (Teacher answers) or 'Diam saja' (Just stay silent).
Related Phrases
Tanya teman
similarAsk a friend
Minta tolong
builds onAsk for help
Cari tahu
similarFind out
Diskusi kelompok
specialized formGroup discussion
Konsultasi dosen
specialized formConsult a lecturer
