Pilih kopi atau teh.

Choose coffee or tea.

Breakdown of Pilih kopi atau teh.

• kopi: the coffee
• teh: the tea
• atau: or
• pilih: to choose

Questions & Answers about Pilih kopi atau teh.

What is the function of the word pilih here? Why not memilih?

Pilih is the bare verb root used for imperatives (commands) in Indonesian. So Pilih kopi atau teh. means “Choose coffee or tea.”

• Use memilih (the meN- form) when you have an explicit subject doing the action: Saya memilih kopi (I choose coffee).
• Passive would be dipilih: Kopi dipilih oleh saya (Coffee is chosen by me).

Why is there no word for “you” in the sentence?

Indonesian imperatives normally omit the subject; kamu/Anda (“you”) is understood. If you need to be explicit, you can add it:

• Anda, pilih kopi atau teh. (polite/formal)
• Kalian, pilih kopi atau teh. (you all)

Is this sentence polite enough in real life? How can I soften it?

By itself, Pilih kopi atau teh. can sound a bit direct. Softer, more natural options:

• Invitation: Silakan pilih kopi atau teh.
• Polite request: Tolong pilih kopi atau teh.
• Gentle command: Pilihlah kopi atau teh.
• Friendly softener: Pilih, ya.
• Indirect question-style: Bisa pilih kopi atau teh?

Can I just say Kopi atau teh? like English “Coffee or tea?” when offering?

Yes. Kopi atau teh? is a very common, natural elliptical offer. It functions as “Would you like coffee or tea?” without a verb.

Why is there a period and not a question mark?

It’s an imperative (a directive), not a question. A question mark would be used with offers or yes–no questions, e.g. Mau kopi atau teh? or Apakah Anda mau kopi atau teh?

Does atau here mean exclusive “or” (choose one) or inclusive “or”?

In this context, it’s understood as an exclusive choice (choose one). In general, atau is context-dependent and can be inclusive. If both are acceptable, you can make that explicit: Kopi atau teh, keduanya boleh.

What’s the difference between atau and ataupun?

Ataupun can often substitute for atau in formal writing or set phrases, and can add a slightly more formal tone: Anda dapat memilih kopi ataupun teh. In everyday speech, atau is more common. For this simple instruction, atau is the natural choice.

I’ve heard apa used like “or” in questions. Can I say Mau kopi apa teh? What about the imperative?

Yes, in colloquial questions you’ll hear apa as “or”: Mau kopi apa teh? However, in an imperative you should use atau: Pilih kopi atau teh. Not: ✗ Pilih kopi apa teh.

Do I need to add salah satu to say “choose one”?

Not required, but it can clarify exclusivity: Pilih salah satu: kopi atau teh. This makes “one of the two” explicit.

How do I say “a cup of coffee” or “a glass of tea”? Do I need measure words?

Yes, use classifiers:

• secangkir kopi = a cup of coffee (cup/mug, usually hot)
• segelas teh = a glass of tea (glass, often cold) Numbers go before the classifier: dua cangkir kopi, tiga gelas teh.

How do I make it more formal or respectful to a customer or older person?

Use polite address and softeners:

• Silakan pilih, Bapak/Ibu: kopi atau teh.
• Apakah Bapak/Ibu ingin kopi atau teh?
• Anda bisa memilih kopi atau teh.

Pronunciation tips for pilih, kopi, and teh?

• pilih: pee-lih; the final h is audible but soft.
• kopi: KOH-pee; both vowels are clear.
• teh: like “teh” with a short e (as in “bed”), plus a brief final h. Not “tay.”

How would I turn this into “Would you like coffee or tea?”

Common options:

• Mau kopi atau teh? (neutral/casual)
• Ingin kopi atau teh? (a bit more polite)
• Apakah Anda mau/ingin kopi atau teh? (formal)

How do I say “Don’t choose coffee or tea”?

Use jangan for negative imperatives:

• Jangan pilih kopi atau teh; pilih jus. (Don’t choose coffee or tea; choose juice.) If you mean “neither coffee nor tea,” you can also say:
• Jangan pilih kopi maupun teh.

Are kopi and teh singular or plural? How do I say “two coffees”?

Indonesian nouns don’t show number by form. Use numerals and classifiers:

• dua cangkir kopi (two coffees)
• dua gelas teh (two teas)

What does adding the suffix -lah do in Pilihlah?

The particle -lah softens or adds a gentle emphasis to imperatives. Pilihlah kopi atau teh. sounds more courteous or encouraging than the bare imperative.

How can I add “first,” as in “Choose coffee or tea first”?

Use dulu or terlebih dulu:

• Pilih kopi atau teh dulu.
• Pilih kopi atau teh terlebih dulu.

Is pilih transitive? Can I say “Choose me”?

Yes, pilih takes a direct object:

• Pilih saya.
• Pilih menu ini.
• Pilih kopi atau teh.