Breakdown of Silakan mengisi formulir ini sebelum masuk.
ini
this
sebelum
before
masuk
to enter
silakan
please
Questions & Answers about Silakan mengisi formulir ini sebelum masuk.
What does silakan do here? Is it just “please”?
Silakan is a polite invitation/permission meaning roughly “please (go ahead and…)”. It softens a directive and sounds courteous. In signs and instructions, silakan still functions as a directive, not a mere option; it’s just phrased politely.
How does silakan compare with tolong, harap, mohon, and wajib?
- silakan: polite invitation/permission; friendly and neutral. Example: Silakan isi formulir ini…
- tolong: “please help (by) …”; sounds like asking a favor. Example: Tolong isi formulir ini…
- harap: official-sounding “please” that’s closer to an instruction. Common on signs. Example: Harap isi formulir ini…
- mohon: formal, deferential request (often in announcements). Example: Mohon mengisi formulir ini…
- wajib/harus: mandatory. Example: Anda wajib mengisi formulir ini…
Why is it mengisi and not simply isi?
Both are acceptable after politeness/request words:
- Silakan mengisi formulir ini… (slightly more formal/neutral)
- Silakan isi formulir ini… (more direct-imperative feel) For a bare command without silakan, you’d usually use the base: Isi formulir ini!