permisi

Permisi is an interjection in Indonesian and Malay that literally functions as "excuse me" or "may I." It is used to seek permission, to interrupt someone, or to request to pass through a crowded space. The form is polite and somewhat formal, and it is often heard in public, service, and institutional contexts, as well as in everyday conversation.

In practice, speakers say "Permisi" before action: to pass by someone in a doorway, to address a question, or to get attention. Examples: "Permisi, mau lewat," "Permisi, saya ingin bertanya," "Permisi ya," "Permisi, dulu." In more formal usage, speakers may add an apology: "Permisi, maaf mengganggu."

The phrase is common to Indonesian and Malay, and is used across many Malay-speaking regions, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore. It is typically paired with "maaf" or "izin" in longer expressions: "minta izin" (to ask for permission), "izin" (permission), "dengan izin" (with your permission).

Etymology: permisi is a native fixed expression in Indonesian and Malay; it does not function as a verb but as a polite interjection. It reflects cultural norms of politeness and non-confrontational interaction in public spaces.