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Indonesian grammar · A1

Modal Verbs

Alexander StebnerCreator of Lingora · Updated 14 October 20262 min readComments

Modal verbs go directly before the main verb and never change form. The key modals are (can/able to), (may/allowed to), (need to), (want to), (should/must), and (can/able to).

To negate, place before the modal: (cannot), (don't need to). covers general ability, while leans toward permission. often shortens to in casual speech and can also express future intent.

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Indonesian course

70 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 41. A few of them, with the words “Modal Verbs” is about in bold:

  • Aku harus naik sepeda sampai aku punya mobil baru.

    I have to ride my bike until I get a new car.

    Lesson 301

  • Bisakah kamu mengirim pesan lagi?

    Can you send the message again?

    Lesson 426

  • Aku sangat senang bisa bepergian ke negara lain.

    I'm so excited to travel to another country.

    Lesson 449

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