Polite requests and practical needs

Ask permission, offer an invitation and read a prohibition.

Can, may and must

bisa = can/be able; boleh = may/be allowed; harus = must. Use these before an unchanged verb: Saya bisa bekerja; Boleh saya masuk? (May I enter?); Saya harus pergi. Masuk means enter.

Polite request or invitation

tolong = please (asking for help); silakan = please/go ahead (invitation or permission). Tolong bantu saya = Please help me. Silakan duduk = Please sit down. Bantu = help; duduk = sit.

Do not

Jangan before an action gives a prohibition: Jangan masuk = Do not enter. Tidak masuk reports not entering; it is not the direct command taught here. Formal polite words still depend on relationship and situation.

Boleh saya duduk?