Meaning
Asking someone to wait briefly
Cultural Background
Indonesians value 'sabar' (patience). Using this phrase shows you are not being demanding. In restaurants or shops, this is the standard phrase to acknowledge a customer without making them feel ignored. It is used to manage expectations in a busy office environment. Adding 'ya' makes it sound less like a command and more like a friendly request.
Add 'ya'
Always add 'ya' at the end to sound friendly and natural.
Don't use for long waits
If the wait is long, explain why instead of just saying 'tunggu sebentar'.
Meaning
Asking someone to wait briefly
Add 'ya'
Always add 'ya' at the end to sound friendly and natural.
Don't use for long waits
If the wait is long, explain why instead of just saying 'tunggu sebentar'.
Use 'Tolong'
Add 'Tolong' at the beginning to be extra polite in formal settings.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
___ sebentar ya, saya ambilkan minum.
'Tunggu' means to wait, which fits the context of asking someone to pause.
Which is the most natural way to ask someone to wait?
Which sentence is correct?
The standard word order is verb + time modifier.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bisa bantu saya? B: _____
It is the most polite and natural response to a request for help.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are on the phone and need to check a file.
This is the correct phrase to use when you need to pause a conversation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ sebentar ya, saya ambilkan minum.
'Tunggu' means to wait, which fits the context of asking someone to pause.
Which sentence is correct?
The standard word order is verb + time modifier.
A: Bisa bantu saya? B: _____
It is the most polite and natural response to a request for help.
You are on the phone and need to check a file.
This is the correct phrase to use when you need to pause a conversation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is very polite if used correctly.
Yes, it is acceptable in most professional settings.
Tunggu is to wait, Tinggal is to live or stay.
Use 'Mohon tunggu sejenak'.
Yes, very common in WhatsApp.
It is a particle for friendliness.
No, it is for short waits.
Yes, it is standard Indonesian.
You can use 'Tunggu sebentar'.
Yes, 'Bentar ya'.
Related Phrases
Tunggu dulu
similarWait first
Sebentar ya
synonymA moment, okay
Mohon tunggu
formalPlease wait
Tunggu sebentar lagi
builds onWait a little longer
