Bisa Bicara Lebih Pelan?
Can You Speak More Slowly?
'Pelan' means slow. 'Lebih pelan' means 'more slowly.' You can also just say 'Pelan-pelan, ya!' — 'Slowly, okay!'
Learn to ask someone to slow down in Indonesian with "Bisa Bicara Lebih Pelan?" This crucial phrase for Bahasa Indonesia learners gives you control over conversations so you can actually understand the response.
💬Example Sentences
Maaf, bisa bicara lebih pelan?
Sorry, can you speak more slowly?
Pelan-pelan, ya. Saya masih belajar.
Slowly, okay. I'm still learning.
Bisa ulangi dengan pelan?
Can you repeat it slowly?
🏭Cultural Context
Indonesian is generally spoken at a rapid pace in casual conversation, with words blending together. Regional accents add another layer — a Javanese speaker sounds very different from a Batak or Sundanese speaker. Asking someone to slow down is completely acceptable and usually welcomed with a smile. Many Indonesians are proud of their language and enjoy helping learners. You might add "saya sedang belajar bahasa Indonesia" (I'm learning Indonesian) after your request — this immediately earns goodwill and encourages patient, encouraging responses. Indonesians love hearing that foreigners are making an effort with their language.