tolong + Verb

Polite Requests with Tolong

Level 1

In Indonesian, tolong + verb is the standard way to say "please" when asking someone to do something for you. It turns a command into a polite request.

How It Works

The word tolong is essential for daily social interactions. Here is how to become confident with its usage:

  • Word Order: Place tolong directly before the verb. For example: Tolong buka pintu (Please open the door).
  • Formal Requests: In formal writing, public notices, or when addressing someone with high status, mohon is a useful more deferential alternative to tolong (e.g., Mohon perhatian - Please [give your] attention).
  • Handling Prefixes: For transitive verbs, drop the meN- prefix. Intransitive verbs keep their prefix if they have one (e.g., Tolong menyanyi), though many common verbs like duduk (sit) or masuk (enter) have no prefix to begin with.
  • Keep Suffixes: Even when you drop a prefix, you must keep suffixes like -kan or -i (e.g., Tolong ambilkan).
  • Requesting Help: Use tolong to request an action or help, whether for yourself, someone else, or a shared purpose. If you are inviting someone to do something for their own benefit, use silakan instead.
  • Softening the Request: You can make the request friendlier by:
    • Using the phrase minta tolong before the request (e.g., Saya mau minta tolong, bisa ambilkan itu?).
    • Using the indirect word order Bisa tolong + verb (e.g., Bisa tolong bantu saya?).
    • Adding ya at the end.
    • Using the particle dong in casual speech, but be careful: it can sound demanding or impatient and is best reserved for close friends.

Examples (5)

  1. Tolong ambilkan buku itu.

    Please get that book (for me).

    Word by Word: Help get-for book that.

    The prefix 'me-' is dropped from 'mengambilkan', but the suffix -kan is kept because it shows the action is for someone else.

  2. Tolong menyanyi satu lagu.

    Please sing one song.

    Word by Word: Help sing one song.

    For intransitive verbs like 'menyanyi', the prefix is usually retained even when using 'tolong'.

  3. Tolong dong, bantu saya.

    Please, help me.

    Word by Word: Help [particle], help me.

    Adding the particle dong makes the request sound more casual and persuasive among friends.

  4. Bisa tolong matikan lampunya?

    Can you please turn off the light?

    Word by Word: Can help die-cause lamp-the?

    Combining bisa (can) with 'tolong' creates a very polite and indirect request.

  5. Tolong hubungi saya kembali.

    Please contact me back.

    Word by Word: Help contact me back.

    In very formal contexts, you might see 'mohon' or 'harap' instead of 'tolong' to express a request or hope.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'tolong' for invitations or giving permission.

    Tolong masuk!
    Silakan masuk!

    Use silakan to invite someone in or give permission. Tolong masuk instead asks them to enter as an action you want performed; it does not necessarily express desperation.

  • Using ambil where ambilkan (fetch it for me) is meant.

    Different MeaningTolong ambil buku itu.
    Tolong ambilkan buku itu.

    Tolong ambil buku itu is natural and asks someone to take that book. Tolong ambilkan buku itu asks them to get it for you. Choose -kan when the action is done for the speaker.

  • Using 'tolong' in very formal written notices or to high-ranking officials.

    Tolong tidak merokok di sini.
    Mohon tidak merokok di sini.

    Mohon is a useful deferential form for formal requests. Tolong also makes a request; the degree of respect depends on the wording and relationship, not a universal ban on using it with superiors.

How It Connects

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tolong + VerbLevel 1Polite Requests with Tolong

Learn This First

To use 'tolong' effectively, a learner needs to understand how to form a basic command using a bare verb. 'Tolong' is simply placed before this existing imperative structure to soften the tone and make it a polite request.

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