L1 Quiz 1: Common Greetings & Polite Expressions

You want to wish your friend a happy birthday. Which sentence is correct?

• Selamat pagi!

• Selamat datang!

• Selamat tidur!

• Selamat ulang tahun!

Answer explanation

The correct greetings for wishing someone a happy birthday is "Selamat ulang tahun". Other options refer to greetings for morning (Selamat Pagi), welcoming someone (Selamat Datang), or saying good night (Selamat Tidur).

You want to describe someone as a kind person. Which sentence is correct?

• Kamu orang yang baik.

• Baik, saya kerjakan.

• Ini sudah cukup baik.

• Apakah kamu baik-baik saja?

Answer explanation

1. Kamu orang yang baik (You are a kind person). Baik describes someone's character.

2. Baik, saya kerjakan (Alright, I'll do it). Baik describes an agreement.

3. Ini sudah cukup baik (This is good enough). Baik describes quality or satisfaction.

4. Apakah kamu baik-baik saja (Are you okay? / Are you fine?) Baik describes someone's well-being.

The correct answer is "Kamu orang yang baik" and can be just shorten in casual conversation as "Kamu baik", however ambiguity might occurs.

You want to formally apologize to someone. Which sentence is correct?

• Mohon saya makan dulu.

• Mohon maaf atas kesalahan ini.

• Mohon dibantu kerjakan ini

• Mohon ambilkan saya buku.

Answer explanation

"Mohon" is used in formal apologies or polite requests. The correct phrase is "Mohon maaf" when apologizing for a mistake.

1. Mohon saya makan dulu (Please, I eat first). Mohon in this sentence does not suit the cultural context.

2. Mohon dibantu kerjakan ini (Kindly assist to work on this. Please help to do this). Mohon is used to politely ask for assistance.

3. Mohon ambilkan saya buku (Please, take me a book. / Please, take the book for me). Mohon is used to ask for assistance

You need to pass through a crowded area and ask politely. Which sentence is correct?

• Tolong, boleh saya lewat?

• Maaf, saya boleh lewat?

• Permisi, boleh saya lewat?

• Mohon saya boleh lewat?

Answer explanation

"Permisi" is used when you want to politely ask for permission to pass or excuse yourself in a social situation especially in crowded places.

Permisi, boleh saya lewat? Excuse me, can I pass? / may I pass?

You are in a formal meeting and want to ask for help politely. Which sentence is correct?

• Tolong maafkan saya.

• Tolong saya mengerjakan ini.

• Mohon bantuan Anda dalam mengerjakan ini.

• Mohon maafkan saya.

Answer explanation

In formal settings, "mohon" is the appropriate word to use when making a polite request, especially when asking for help.

Mohon bantuan anda dalam mengerjakan ini (Kindly require your assistance to work on this). It can be shorten become "Mohon dibantu kerjakan ini" (Kindly assist to do this / to work on it)