Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Tolong ambilkan sapu dari lemari. - Please get the broom from the cupboard.

Tolong is a polite “please,” framing the action as a request for help. It’s neutral and common in speech. Alternatives: mohon (more formal), harap (instructional notices), silakan (invites someone to do something for themselves, not for you).

Why ambilkan and not ambil?

Ambil = take/get. Ambilkan (with the suffix -kan) = take/get something for someone (a benefactive meaning). So the sentence implies “Please get the broom for me/us.” Without -kan, it’s just “Please take the broom,” with no clear beneficiary.

Who is the implied recipient in ambilkan? How do I say “for me” explicitly?

By default it’s understood to be for the speaker. To say it explicitly:

Tolong ambilkan saya sapu dari lemari.
Tolong ambilkan sapu dari lemari untuk/buat saya.

Is Ambilkan saya sapu dari lemari correct word order?

Yes. In the double-object pattern with -kan, the recipient (saya) typically comes right after the verb: Ambilkan saya sapu dari lemari. You can keep tolong at the start.

Is ambilkan one word? Can -kan be separated?

It’s one word and the suffix can’t be detached: ambilkan, not ambil kan. This is different from the conversational particle kan (a separate word) used at the end of sentences.

I hear ambilin—what’s the difference from ambilkan?

Ambilin is the colloquial Jakarta-style form (suffix -in) of ambilkan. Same meaning, but more casual: Tolong ambilin sapu dari lemari.

Why is it dari lemari and not di lemari?

Dari = from (movement). Di = at/in (location). You’re taking it out, so dari lemari is correct. Compare:

Ambilkan sapu dari lemari. (get it from the closet)
Sapu ada di lemari. (the broom is in the closet)

What does lemari refer to exactly?

Lemari is a general cabinet/closet/cupboard/wardrobe with doors. Add a noun to specify:

lemari pakaian (wardrobe)
lemari dapur (kitchen cupboard)
lemari es (refrigerator) Older spelling almari also exists.

How do I say “the broom” vs “a broom”?

Indonesian has no articles. Sapu can mean either. Make it definite with itu or -nya:

sapu itu / sapunya = the broom. To stress “one broom,” say satu (buah) sapu; often the bare noun is enough.

Can I move dari lemari earlier?

The natural order is verb + object + prepositional phrase: Tolong ambilkan sapu dari lemari. Fronting (Tolong dari lemari ambilkan sapu) is possible for emphasis but sounds marked; avoid it in everyday speech. You can specify: ... dari lemari itu (from that closet).

How can I make the request more formal or respectful?

Add a title: Pak/Bu, tolong ambilkan sapu dari lemari.
Use a formal passive: Mohon diambilkan sapu dari lemari.
Or soften with bisa/tolong: Bisa tolong ambilkan sapu dari lemari?

How do I say “Please don’t take the broom from the closet”?

Use jangan before the verb:

Jangan ambilkan sapu dari lemari.
Politer: Tolong jangan ambilkan sapu dari lemari.

How do I make it friendlier or more casual?

Add softening particles:

Tolong ambilin sapu dari lemari, ya. (soft/checking)
Tolong ambilin sapu dari lemari, dong. (friendly, a bit urging)

How would I say related commands like “take it out” or “pass me the broom”?

“Please take the broom out of the closet”: Tolong keluarkan sapu dari lemari.
“Please pass me the broom”: Tolong berikan/kasih saya sapu itu.

When would I use the meN- form (mengambilkan)?

Not in imperatives. Use it in statements:

Dia mengambilkan sapu dari lemari (untuk saya). = He/She fetched the broom (for me). Passive: Sapu diambilkan dari lemari (untuk saya).