How to Say Sorry in Indonesian: Casual and Formal

The quick answer

The core word is Maaf (MAH-af), meaning sorry or excuse me. It is short and works for small apologies and interruptions. You will hear and use it constantly.

To make it a fuller apology, say Minta maaf (MIN-ta MAH-af), literally ask for forgiveness, or Maafkan saya (mah-AF-kan SAH-ya), forgive me. Indonesian spelling is phonetic, so words sound just as they look.

Casual ways to say sorry

Among friends, Maaf on its own is natural, and you can soften it with ya: Maaf ya (MAH-af yah) feels friendly, like sorry, okay?. Young Indonesians also use the English sorry and the shortened sori in very casual chat.

For a small slip, Maaf or Maaf ya is enough. It is light and easy, and the phonetic spelling means you can read it aloud with confidence right away.

Formal and polite apologies

In formal or respectful situations, use Mohon maaf (MOH-hon MAH-af), where mohon is a more humble, formal request. It is common in speeches, writing, and polite settings. A fuller version is Saya minta maaf (I ask for forgiveness).

To ask forgiveness explicitly and politely, Maafkan saya (forgive me) works well. During the Idul Fitri holiday you will often hear Mohon maaf lahir dan batin, a set phrase asking forgiveness for any wrongs, which is worth recognizing.

Expressing genuine regret

For real feeling, you can strengthen the apology: Saya benar-benar minta maaf means I truly apologize, and Saya sangat menyesal (SAH-ya SANG-at meh-nyeh-SAL) means I deeply regret it. The word menyesal carries the sense of regret.

For sympathy, Indonesians often say Turut berduka cita for condolences, which is a separate set phrase, not a general sorry. Keep Maaf and Minta maaf for apologies, and use the condolence phrase only for loss.

Indonesian sorry phrases at a glance

• Maaf (MAH-af) — sorry / excuse me, all-purpose
• Maaf ya (MAH-af yah) — sorry, friendly and soft
• Minta maaf (MIN-ta MAH-af) — I ask for forgiveness / I'm sorry
• Saya minta maaf (SAH-ya MIN-ta MAH-af) — I'm sorry, fuller
• Mohon maaf (MOH-hon MAH-af) — I'm sorry, formal and humble
• Maafkan saya (mah-AF-kan SAH-ya) — forgive me
• Saya sangat menyesal (SAH-ya SANG-at meh-nyeh-SAL) — I deeply regret it

Match the moment: Maaf for slips, Minta maaf for apologies, Mohon maaf for formal.

Common mistakes learners make

First, pronounce the double aa in Maaf as two clear vowel beats, roughly MAH-af, not a single flat maf. Indonesian keeps vowels distinct.

Second, do not confuse Mohon maaf with everyday casual speech. It is polite and formal, so among close friends a simple Maaf sounds more natural, while Mohon maaf shines in formal or written contexts.

Third, do not use the condolence phrase Turut berduka cita as a general sorry. It is specifically for expressing sympathy after a death.

How to respond to an apology

When someone apologizes, common replies are Tidak apa-apa (tee-DAK AH-pa AH-pa, it's okay / no problem), often shortened to Nggak apa-apa in casual speech, and Santai saja (relax, it's fine). A warm Tidak apa-apa is the standard reassurance.

Learning these replies helps you accept an apology gracefully. They are common and easy, so they fit naturally alongside the apology phrases.

Make it automatic

Indonesian is forgiving to learners because spelling matches sound, but the double vowels and the rhythm still settle best when you say words out loud. Practice Maaf, Minta maaf, and Mohon maaf until they flow.

Try a few small scenes aloud: getting past someone, apologizing to a friend with Maaf ya, giving a formal apology with Mohon maaf. Pick the right register each time. Rehearsing these short exchanges out loud, even with an AI speaking partner, builds the reflex so the right level of politeness comes out naturally.