Learning a new language enriches your life in countless ways, and one of the joys of language acquisition is discovering the words for all the animals you know and love in your target language. In Indonesian, each animal name carries its unique sound and feel, just as it does in English and other languages.

Anjing
This is the Indonesian word for “dog.” Dogs are as beloved in Indonesia as they are worldwide, often kept as pets and seen as loyal companions.
Anak anjing itu sangat lucu dan ceria.

Kucing
“Cat” in Indonesian. The ubiquitous household pet, cats are as popular in Indonesia as they are elsewhere.
Kucing saya suka tidur di atas sofa.

Burung
This word refers to “bird.” Indonesia is known for its diverse and colorful bird species, with many bird lovers across the archipelago.
Burung di pohon itu bernyanyi setiap pagi.

Ikan
Meaning “fish,” Indonesia’s rich and diverse aquatic life makes this a common word you’ll encounter, especially if you’re exploring Indonesian cuisine.
Ikan di pasar itu segar dan beragam jenisnya.

Kuda
This translates to “horse” in Indonesian. Horses are often used for riding, and in some rural parts of Indonesia, they are vital for transportation.
Kuda itu lari dengan sangat cepat di padang rumput.

Gajah
This is the Indonesian word for “elephant,” an animal that is especially revered in certain Indonesian cultures.
Gajah itu memiliki belalai yang panjang dan kuat.

Sapi
Meaning “cow,” cows are a common sight in the Indonesian countryside and are important animals for farming and agriculture.
Sapi-sapi itu sedang merumput di ladang.

Domba
This translates to “sheep.” Sheep are raised in Indonesia primarily for their wool and meat.
Domba-domba itu berbaris untuk masuk ke kandang.

Ayam
The Indonesian word for “chicken,” another staple in both Indonesian farming and cuisine.
Ayam jantan itu berkokok di pagi hari.

Ular
This means “snake.” Indonesia is home to a variety of snake species, some of which are unique to the islands.
Ular itu melata dengan cepat melewati rerumputan.

Monyet
This is the word for “monkey,” which you may encounter in Indonesian forests or wildlife sanctuaries.
Monyet-monyet itu sedang bermain dan bergelantungan di pohon.

Laba-laba
Meaning “spider,” though not everyone’s favorite, these arachnids are as much a part of Indonesian wildlife as anywhere in the world.
Laba-laba itu membuat jaring yang rumit untuk menangkap mangsa.

Harimau
Translating to “tiger,” tigers are very important in Indonesian folklore and mythology.
Harimau Sumatra adalah salah satu spesies harimau yang dilindungi.

By incorporating these words into your vocabulary, you can start engaging more deeply with Indonesian culture, especially if you’re planning to visit zoos, safaris, or simply want to enjoy conversations with locals about the wonderful world of animals. Remember to always keep practicing, as consistent use and exposure to new words is key to language mastery. Selamat belajar! (Happy learning!)