Boleh Kurang?
Can It Be Less?
'Kurang' means 'less' or 'lacking.' Three words that can save you thousands of rupiah at any Indonesian market!
Master the art of bargaining in Indonesia with "Boleh Kurang?" (Can It Be Less?) — arguably the most valuable three-word phrase in Bahasa Indonesia for market shopping and everyday price negotiation.
💬Example Sentences
Boleh kurang? Terlalu mahal.
Can it be less? It's too expensive.
Harga terbaik berapa?
What's the best price?
Kalau beli dua, boleh kurang?
If I buy two, can it be less?
🏭Cultural Context
Bargaining (tawar-menawar) is an art form and social ritual in Indonesian markets. The process has unspoken rules: the seller quotes a high price, you counter at 40-50% of that price, and you work toward a middle ground — usually 50-70% of the original ask. The key is to keep it friendly, light, and even playful. Smiling while bargaining is essential. "Boleh kurang?" opens the negotiation gently. If the counter-price is still too high, try "masih terlalu mahal" (still too expensive) or simply start to walk away — this often triggers the real best price. Never bargain aggressively for something you're not willing to buy. And once a seller agrees to your price, buying is expected — backing out after reaching an agreed price is considered rude. The best bargaining happens when both sides enjoy the process.