"Kami tak boleh berbicara."

Translation: We are not allowed to speak.

[petervdg]

"Are not allowed" is better thsn "may"

[tsuj1g1r1]

This sentence is a paradox. :P

[Speedy12846]

What does paradox even mean???

[boringtomi]

Not really... especially since it's in written form on the site... but even if spoken, just because someone is not allowed to speak, he or she still can and many times will

[TJR696322]

tak is slang and should not be used.

[Gill714966]

If it’s very commonly used it’s good to know. I wish there was some identification in the notes of slang, informal standard and formal standard usage though.

[tuanle163158]

what's wrong with "we cannot speak"

[TJR696322]

That is not the correct translation of the given sentence: Kami tak boleh berbicara.
Boleh = allowed. So we are not allowed to speak. We cannot speak = Kami tidak bisa berbicara.

[tuanle163158]

i thought "boleh" also means "can"/"may"
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/indonesian-english/boleh

[TJR696322]

Boleh can also be "may" indeed, but not "can". Tidak boleh = not allowed, may not. Tidak bisa = can not.

[tuanle163158]

'but not "can".' just wondering if you have somewhere that I can confirm that?

[TJR696322]

You can find all rules about Indonesian in Tata bahasa. But that is not one book that you can buy somewhere. It is in my study books at every chapter. You can use an Indonesian dictionary (kamus). But than the Indonesian version for Indonesians. Like a Longman in English. "Kamus besar bahasa Indonesia".