Words to Know in Bahasa Indonesia

Learning Bahasa Indonesia is not as hard as a lot of people will tell you.  In fact, it is probably one of the easiest languages in the world to learn.  If you are a first-time traveller to Indonesia then leaning a few simple phrases opens doors so to speak.  People have said to me “What if I mispronounce it?”  Truly, there is no need to stress on this because although you might get a few giggles from those you are talking to, they will in fact be more pleased that you are attempting to speak the language. 

Here are a few greetings and civilities:

Good Morning (until 11 a.m) – Selamat Pagi

Good day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m) – Selamat Siang

Good afternoon (3 p.m. to 6 p.m) – Selamat Sore

Good Night (after 6 p.m) – Selamat Malam

What is your name? –  Siapa Nama anda? 

My name is… – Nama Saya…. 

Thank you – Terima kasih

You’re welcome – Kembali

How are you? –  Apa kabar? 

I am fine – Kabar baik

Please (asking for help) – Tolong

Please (giving permission) – Silakan

Sorry – Maaf

Excuse me – Permisi

Then there are those questions:

How much? –  Berapa? 

Whats the price? –  Berapa harganya? 

How many Kilometers? –  Berapa Kilometer? 

Where is…? –  Di mana ada? 

Which way? –  Ke mana? 

May I take a photo? –  Boleh saya foto? 

Where do you live? –  Anda tinggal di mana? 

What is this called in Bahasa Indonesia? –  Apa namanya ini dalam bahasa Indonesia? 

Do you have…? –  Ada….? 

Here are some more useful words and phrases:

I don’t understand – Saya tidak mengerti

I don’t want it – Saya tidak mau

I want to go to…. –  Saya mau ke…. 

Yes – Ya

No – Tidak

Toilet – Kamar Kecil, WC (pronounced “way say”)

Telephone number – Nomor telepon

Hot – Panas

Spicy hot – Pedas

Cold – Dingin

Delicious – Enak

Armed with the above phrases you are now ready to get around Indonesia and enjoy conversations with all the interesting people you meet.  Selemat Berjalan!