What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase Apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?, Apakah is an interrogative word used to introduce yes-or-no questions. bisa means "can" or "able to". bahasa Inggris means "English language", where bahasa (language) precedes the name of the language Inggris.
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to phrase this depending on the setting. The colloquial version Bisa bahasa Inggris? often drops the question marker Apakah entirely. The formal version Apakah Anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris? specifically includes the verb for "to speak". The informal version Bisa ngomong bahasa Inggris gak? is used in casual speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make the phrase informal by replacing the polite pronoun Anda with kamu, resulting in Apakah kamu bisa bahasa Inggris?, which is suitable for peers or people younger than you. For a very casual or colloquial approach, you can use Bisa bahasa Inggris? or Bisa ngomong bahasa Inggris gak?
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?, the word bisa literally means "can" or "be able to" rather than the verb "to speak". Additionally, in Indonesian, the word for language, bahasa, precedes the specific name of the language, such as Inggris.
What mistakes should you avoid?
While using berbicara bahasa Inggris is grammatically correct, it often sounds overly formal and textbook-like in daily conversation compared to using bisa.
Did you know?
- The word bisa used to mean 'can' or 'be able to' also means 'venom' or 'poison' in many Indonesian dialects.
Examples in context
- Permisi, apakah Anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris? Saya ingin membahas peluang kerjasama.Excuse me, can you speak English? I would like to discuss a potential collaboration.
- Bisa ngomong bahasa Inggris gak? Saya ingin memesan nasi goreng, tolong.Can you speak English? I would like to order fried rice, please.
- Maaf, apakah Anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris? Saya tersesat, bisa bantu saya?Excuse me, can you speak English? I'm lost, can you help me?
- Maaf, apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?Excuse me, do you speak English?
Example conversation
Rian is asking Maya for directions in a tourist area.
- RianPermisi, apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- MayaYa, saya bisa sedikit.Yes, I can speak a little.
- RianBisa tolong tunjukkan jalan ke hotel?Can you please show me the way to the hotel?
- MayaTentu, mari saya antar.Sure, let me guide you.
