How to Say "Excuse Me" in Indonesian

permisi

/pərˈmisi/

The English phrase "excuse me" is translated into Indonesian as permisi.

The word permisi is used to get someone's attention or to politely pass through a crowd.

Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)

Which one should you use?

While permisi is used to get attention or excuse oneself, maaf is used to express regret or apologize for a mistake.

/pərˈmisi/

The word permisi is a direct loanword from the Dutch word permissie, reflecting the linguistic influence of the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia.
When walking past someone or through a group, Indonesians often pair permisi with a physical gesture of bowing slightly and extending one hand downward.
Although permisi is the standard word, you can also use the word numpang to excuse yourself when passing through a crowd or sitting in someone's path.

Permisi. Apakah kamu Tom?
Excuse me. Are you Tom?
This sentence shows how to use permisi when addressing someone by name.
Tatoeba #10932518 by joses, translation #8341624 by CK
Permisi, madunya di mana, ya?
Excuse me, where can I find the honey?
This sentence demonstrates using permisi to ask for the location of an item.
Tatoeba #13917645 by HAGNi, translation #8860178 by moxy
Permisi. Metro ada di mana ya?
Excuse me. Where's the metro?
This sentence illustrates using permisi to ask for directions to a specific place.
Tatoeba #4755842 by Bilmanda, translation #4728331 by paper1n0
Permisi, boleh saya lewat?
Excuse me, may I pass through?
Permisi, saya mau masuk.
Excuse me, I want to get in.
Permisi, maaf ya.
Excuse me, sorry.
19 more sentences on Tatoeba

Adi is trying to get past Putri in a crowded hallway.

Sources

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