much does this fruit cost?
Literally, “this fruit, how much is its price?” If you are concerned about the word order of the sentences you are attempting, it helps to bear in mind that there is a great degree of flexibility where word order is concerned, providing you specify the relevant parts of your message clearly. The two previous examples could correctly be spoken as Berapa harganya? and Berapa harganya buah ini?
Although large retail stores in Indonesia usually offer goods at fixed prices, bargaining is expected in most other transactions. For some foreigners, bargaining is something that does not come easily, so it helps to be mentally prepared, particularly if you are unsure of the fair price for the goods you are intending to buy. Some people take the strategy of counter-offering with half of the price initially offered by the trader, then working up slowly from there. Some counter-offer with lower than half! It is up to you!
You may find it useful to take note of the environment in which you are buying. If you are buying in a location frequented by tourists, expect that the initial price will be inflated and do not hesitate to bargain hard—the trader may just be trying his or her luck! Also, if all the neighboring shops are selling similar products and it appears as though the goods are mass produced for tourists, try for a lower price. On the other hand, if you wish to purchase quality handicrafts from a location where you can observe the goods being made by skilled craftspeople, you must still bargain, but expect a higher price.
| 19 | HARUS |
Harus pakai bon dulu? Must I pay first?
Harus! You must!
In some stores, especially in small towns, you may need to pay and then exchange a docket for your purchase, rather than paying directly at the cashier.
Saya harus pulang dulu. I have to go home (for a while).
Kamu harus sabar! You should be patient!
| 20 | BOLÉH may/can/allowed to |
Boléh tanya, Pak? May I ask a question?
Boléh saja. Of course you can.
Boléh tawar? Are we allowed to bargain?
Boléh makan dulu? May we eat first?
Boléh. You may.
Tidak boléh masuk. Entry is not allowed here.
Social Etiquette in Public
There are a number of social conventions relating to the body that should be borne in mind. It goes without saying that observing the behavior of others is a better method of understanding these than reading about them here! Many of these conventions are based around the concept that certain people, such as older people, are to be shown respect in a number of ways, so try to identify such people.
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