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Daily Scripture
 
"My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net."

Psalm 25:15

LEARNING HOW TO SAY NO

John and Karen are studying so that they can communicate God`s message.

July 15, 2008

by Brian Johnson

As missionaries John and Karen Callahan have been finding out, it's hard to learn how to say no in the Indonesian language.

To express a slightly different type of 'no,' another word is often added, or an entirely different word is used.
Here are a few examples:

1. Belum- not yet, nothing done.


2. Tidak usah- not required.


3. Lebih baik tidak- strongly advised not to do something.


4. Tidak boleh- not allowed.


5. Tidak senang- I am not happy or content.


6. Tidak terima- don't give approval or acceptance.


7. Jangan!- Don't do something!


8. Bukan saya!- Not me!


9. Enggak- a guttural sound suggesting you have a roach in your throat- (a slang word for 'tidak').


10. Tidak mahu- No thank you.


11. Terima kasih- Thank you but no thanks. (As you give a slight smile and light shake of the head).


12. Ma'af tidak- a strong but polite "No, I am sorry, I will not."