Terlalu Mahal
Too Expensive
Essential for bargaining! Vendors expect you to negotiate — say this with a smile!
Learn to say "Too expensive" in Indonesian with "Terlalu Mahal" -- your essential bargaining phrase for markets across Indonesia. Knowing how to negotiate prices in Bahasa Indonesia transforms your shopping experience from tourist pricing to fair local deals.
💬Example Sentences
Terlalu mahal! Bisa kurang?
Too expensive! Can you lower it?
Maaf, itu terlalu mahal untuk saya.
Sorry, that's too expensive for me.
Terlalu mahal, bagaimana kalau setengah harga?
Too expensive, how about half price?
🏭Cultural Context
Bargaining is an art form in Indonesia and saying "terlalu mahal" with a friendly smile is a key move. The word "terlalu" (too much) combined with "mahal" (expensive) is your polite way of signaling that you want a better price. Good bargaining etiquette in Indonesia includes staying friendly and respectful, making a counter-offer (usually around 50-60% of the asking price), and being prepared to walk away cheerfully if you cannot agree. Never bargain aggressively or angrily -- it is meant to be an enjoyable social interaction. If a vendor cannot go lower, they will say "sudah harga pas" (that's the fixed price) or "tidak bisa kurang" (cannot reduce).