How to Say “Call the Police” in Indonesian
The Basic Phrase
The direct translation for “call the police” in Indonesian is “panggil polisi”.
- Panggil – means “call” or “summon.”
- Polisi – means “police.”
So, when you need urgent assistance, you can say: Panggil polisi!
Pronunciation Guide
- Panggil – pronounced as pung-geel (the “a” is like the ‘u’ in “cup”, “ng” as in “sing”)
- Polisi – pronounced as po-LEE-see
When spoken together: PANG-gil po-LEE-see
Alternative Ways to Ask for Help
Depending on the situation, you might need to use different variations or add more context. Here are a few helpful phrases:
- Tolong panggil polisi! – “Please call the police!” (Adding tolong makes it more polite.)
- Ada masalah, panggil polisi! – “There’s a problem, call the police!”
- Bisa tolong telepon polisi? – “Can you please telephone the police?”
When to Use These Phrases
Use these expressions if you witness a crime, are involved in an accident, or see someone in danger. Speaking clearly and firmly is important in emergencies. Don’t hesitate to ask bystanders for help if you feel unsafe or threatened.
Example Situations
- You see a theft in progress: Tolong panggil polisi!
- There’s been a car accident: Ada kecelakaan, panggil polisi!
- You feel unsafe in a public place: Bisa tolong telepon polisi?
Additional Emergency Vocabulary in Indonesian
Expanding your emergency vocabulary can further enhance your confidence while in Indonesia. Here are some related words and phrases:
- Bantuan – Help/Assistance
- Ambulans – Ambulance
- Pemadam kebakaran – Fire department
- Darurat – Emergency
- Tolong! – Help!
Tips for Remembering These Phrases
- Practice saying the phrases aloud several times until you feel comfortable.
- Write them down in a notebook or save them on your phone for quick access.
- Role-play emergency scenarios with a language partner or use AI-powered platforms like Talkpal to simulate real-life conversations.
- Listen to native speakers or audio resources to perfect your pronunciation.
Summary: Stay Safe and Prepared in Indonesia
Learning how to say “call the police” in Indonesian—panggil polisi—is a simple yet crucial part of your language toolkit. By understanding the phrase, its variations, and associated emergency vocabulary, you’ll be better equipped to handle unexpected situations while traveling or living in Indonesia. Remember, platforms like Talkpal are here to support your Indonesian language learning journey with practical tips and real-life conversation practice. Stay safe, be prepared, and continue building your confidence in Indonesian!
