馃嚠馃嚛 Indonesian phrases

How to Say "I'm sorry" in Indonesian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Maaf
"I'm sorry" in Indonesian 路 say it like mah-ahf

The most natural way to say "I'm sorry" in Indonesian is Maaf. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Saya minta maaf
more formal and personal
Ampun
used in more serious or traditional contexts

When to use it

Use 'maaf' when you want to apologize for a mistake or inconvenience. It can be used in both casual and formal situations. For a more personal touch, you can say 'saya minta maaf'.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "I'm sorry" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Indonesian

IndonesianEnglish
Maaf, saya terlambat.I'm sorry, I'm late.
Maaf atas kesalahan saya.I'm sorry for my mistake.
Common mistake
Learners often forget to use 'maaf' in casual conversations, thinking it's only for formal situations.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Maaf, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Indonesian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use 'maaf'?

You can use 'maaf' in any situation where you need to apologize, whether it's casual or formal.

Learn Indonesian by speaking it

Two free conversations. No card needed.