boleh + Verb
Permission with Boleh
boleh + verb = permission (may/allowed to).
tidak boleh + verb = prohibition (must not).
How It Works
The word boleh functions as an auxiliary (helper) verb that usually precedes the main verb, though certain particles like hanya or saja can come between them.
- Asking Permission: In questions, it translates to 'May I...?' or 'Can I...?'. In formal settings, you can add the suffix -kah to make it Bolehkah.
- Granting Permission: It is used to tell someone they are allowed to do something.
- Accepting Offers: Boleh is frequently used to accept an offer (e.g., 'Mau minum?' 'Boleh.'), functioning like 'Yes, please' or 'Sure'.
- Prohibition: When combined with tidak, it becomes tidak boleh, which is the standard way to express that something is not allowed or forbidden.
- Idiomatic Use: The phrase boleh juga is a common idiom meaning 'not bad' or 'that's a good idea'.
It is important not to confuse boleh with bisa. In the basic contrast taught here, bisa expresses ability or possibility, while boleh makes permission explicit. Requests with bisa can also seek permission in context. Other expressions, such as boleh jadi (possibly), have their own meanings; boleh is not a substitute for bisa when describing a learned skill.
Examples (6)
- Boleh saya masuk?
May I come in?
Word by Word: May I enter?
A standard way to ask for permission to enter a room.
- Kamu boleh pulang sekarang.
You may go home now.
Word by Word: You may go-home now.
Used by someone in authority (like a boss or teacher) to grant permission.
- Pengunjung tidak boleh merokok di sini.
Visitors are not allowed to smoke here.
Word by Word: Visitors not may smoke at here.
'Tidak boleh' is the standard way to express that something is not allowed.
- A: Mau kopi? B: Boleh.
A: Do you want coffee? B: Yes, please.
Word by Word: A: Want coffee? B: May.
In this context, 'boleh' is a common way to accept an offer, similar to 'Sure' or 'Yes, please'.
- Ide itu boleh juga.
That idea is not bad.
Word by Word: Idea that may also.
The phrase 'boleh juga' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'not bad' or 'that's a good idea'.
- Kamu boleh saja makan sekarang.
You may go ahead and eat now.
Word by Word: You may just eat now.
Particles like 'saja' can be placed between 'boleh' and the main verb.
Common Mistakes
Using boleh when you mean ability.
Different MeaningSaya boleh bicara bahasa Indonesia.Saya bisa bicara bahasa Indonesia.Saya boleh bicara bahasa Indonesia is a good sentence, but it means I am allowed to speak Indonesian. To say you have the skill, use bisa: Saya bisa bicara bahasa Indonesia.
Leaving permission implicit when you want to ask explicitly whether an action is allowed.
Bisa saya pinjam pulpen Anda?Boleh saya pinjam pulpen Anda?Boleh explicitly asks for permission. Bisa saya pinjam pulpen Anda? can also function as a polite request in context and is not restricted to very casual slang. The alternative makes the permission meaning clearer rather than correcting an inherently impolite sentence.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'boleh', you need to understand basic Indonesian sentence structure and how auxiliary verbs (modals) precede the main verb. It is also helpful to distinguish 'boleh' (permission) from 'bisa' (ability).
- bisa + VerbAbility with Bisa
Learners should understand the basic modal structure for ability ('bisa') to contrast it with the concept of permission ('boleh').
Level 1 - tidakNegating Verbs and Adjectives with Tidak
Negating permission ('tidak boleh') is a common use case that requires knowledge of the standard verbal negator.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- janganNegative Commands with Jangan
Jangan is used for negative commands ('Don't!'), while 'tidak boleh' is used for general prohibitions ('Not allowed').
Level 1 - silakan + VerbInvitations and Permission with Silakan
Silakan is used to invite someone to do something, often following a request for permission with boleh.
Level 1 - apakahFormal Questions with Apakah
Bolehkah is a specific type of yes-no question focused on permission.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice boleh + Verb in Bubblegum
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