tolong
/ˈtɔlɔŋ/
The Indonesian word for help is tolong.
tolong is a common way to say help in Indonesian. It is used to provide assistance to someone or something.
Meaning: transitive: provide assistance to (someone or something) (verb)
Which one should you use?
When used alone at the beginning of a sentence, tolong functions as an imperative meaning please to request an action. While tolong is often used for requests or urgent cries for help, membantu is the standard verb used for the act of providing assistance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the formal transitive verb to help, the word tolong takes the prefix me- to become menolong.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɔlɔŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the word pembantu. Although it is related to the root for help, it specifically refers to a domestic worker or servant.
Did you know?
- In certain traditional contexts, the concept of gotong royong describes a communal form of helping where a whole village works together, a cultural value that goes beyond the individual act of menolong.
- The word tolong shares a common ancestor with the Tagalog word tulong used in the Philippines. This shows the linguistic connection between Indonesian and other Austronesian languages.
- While tolong is used for urgent pleas, Indonesians often use the word minta meaning 'ask for' before it to create minta tolong for a more polite request.
Examples in context
- Tolong pergi dan panggil bantuan.Please go get help.Tatoeba #5832021 by Bilmanda, translation #2280394 by CK
- Dia mendengar seseorang meminta tolong.He heard someone calling for help.Tatoeba #11536845 by HAGNi, translation #40462 by CK
- Kalau kau benar-benar ingin membantu, tolong datang jam 2:30.If you really want to help, please come by 2:30.Tatoeba #4794055 by Bilmanda, translation #2032026 by CK
- Tolong, bisakah Anda membantu saya?Help, can you assist me?
- Bantuin dong, aku perlu bantuan kamu.Help me, I need your help.
- Nolongin gue dong, bisa?Help me, can you?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Putri is struggling to carry a heavy box.
- PutriAdi, tolong aku bawa kotak ini!Adi, help me carry this box!
- AdiTentu, mari aku bantu.Of course, let me help.
- PutriTerima kasih banyak, Adi.Thank you very much, Adi.
- AdiSama-sama, Putri.You're welcome, Putri.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tolong, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tolong, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
