Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| tolong | /to.loŋ/ |
| sila |
In Malay, the way you say 'please' depends on whether you are inviting someone to do something or asking them to perform a task for you. tolong is used when you are requesting help or asking someone to perform a specific action for your benefit.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tolong literally means 'help' when it is used as a verb or an interjection.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the forms based on the intent of the speaker. sila is used for invitations or polite commands, such as inviting someone to enter a room. In contrast, tolong is used specifically when you are requesting assistance or asking someone to do something for you.
How do you pronounce it?
The word tolong is pronounced as /to.loŋ/ and has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using sila when you actually mean to ask for a favor or request assistance. sila is intended for invitations, whereas you should use tolong for requests for help.
Did you know?
- Using tolong can sometimes imply a sense of urgency, as it is the same word used when shouting for help in an emergency.
- The word tolong is a close relative of the Tagalog word tulong, meaning they share a common ancestor in the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian language family.
- In very casual settings, speakers may drop tolong entirely and use a softening particle at the end of the sentence to convey the same politeness.
Examples in context
- Tolong buang sampah ini.Please throw this away.This sentence demonstrates the use of tolong when asking someone to throw something away.Tatoeba #5900267 by Adou_Fr, translation #7594616 by feudalism
- Tolong kuatkan radio itu.Please turn up the radio.This sentence shows how to use tolong when requesting that a radio volume be increased.Tatoeba #2391793 by Adou_Fr, translation #7593069 by feudalism
- Tolong berikan saya sehelai kertas.Please hand me a sheet of paper.This sentence provides an example of using tolong when asking someone to hand you an item.Tatoeba #10655125 by imperiex, translation #9414796 by CK
- Silakan masuk ke bilik perjumpaan.Please enter the meeting room.
- Tolong emailkan laporan itu kepada saya.Please email me the report.
- Diharapkan hadir 10 minit awal.Please arrive 10 minutes early.
- Boleh tolong passkan garam itu?Can you pass me the salt, please?
- Bolehkah tuan sudi membantu saya?Could you please help me, sir?
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aishah is asking Ahmad for help in the kitchen.
- AishahAhmad, tolong hantarkan pesanan ini.Ahmad, please deliver this order.
- AhmadBoleh, saya akan buat sekarang.Sure, I will do it now.
- AishahTerima kasih atas bantuan awak.Thank you for your help.
- AhmadSama-sama, Aishah.You're welcome, Aishah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries 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.
