Indonesian culture is rich with phrases and proverbs that reflect the values, wisdom, and humor of its people. Learning these expressions can not only help you better understand Indonesian society but also enable you to communicate more effectively and deeply in the Indonesian language. Here are some cultural phrases and proverbs you might encounter while exploring the Indonesian language.

Bagai kucing dengan tikus
This phrase translates to “Like a cat with a mouse,” and it is used to describe two people who are natural enemies or have a relationship filled with animosity.
Di kantor, Andi dan Budi bagai kucing dengan tikus, selalu bertengkar.

Berakit-rakit ke hulu, berenang-renang ke tepian
This proverb means “Paddle to the source, swim to the shore,” and it highlights the importance of enduring hardships to achieve one’s goals.
Kita harus berakit-rakit ke hulu, berenang-renang ke tepian untuk sukses dalam hidup ini.

Berkata sambil lalu
Literally meaning “Speaking while passing by,” this phrase indicates making a comment in passing or without giving it too much importance.
Dia berkata sambil lalu tentang kepindahannya, seolah itu tidak penting.

Bagai pinang dibelah dua
The phrase “Like a betel nut split in two” describes two things or people that are very alike, often used for couples who look or act similarly.
Lihatlah mereka berdua, bagai pinang dibelah dua.

Besar pasak daripada tiang
“Greater dowel than the mast” is a saying that means living beyond one’s means or not considering one’s financial capacity.
Hmm, belanjaanmu bulan ini besar pasak daripada tiang, hati-hati dengan keuanganmu.

Rumput tetangga selalu terlihat lebih hijau
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, which is similar to its English counterpart, suggesting people often envy others’ lives without realizing their own blessings.
Jangan iri dengan kehidupan orang lain, biasanya rumput tetangga selalu terlihat lebih hijau.

Sepandai-pandainya tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh juga
“No matter how skilled a squirrel is at jumping, it will eventually fall,” reflects the idea that no one is infallible, and everyone makes mistakes.
Ingat, sepandai-pandainya tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh juga, jadi jangan terlalu sombong.

Ada udang di balik batu
“There is a shrimp behind the stone” means there’s a hidden motive or agenda behind someone’s actions.
Saya curiga ada udang di balik batu atas kesopanan tiba-tiba dia itu.

Tak ada rotan, akar pun jadi
“If there is no rattan, roots will do,” meaning to make do with what is available when in a challenging situation.
Saat di camping dan tak ada rotan, akar pun jadi untuk mengikat tenda.

Ular melingkar tiada berbisa, manusia berbisa tiada kelihatan
“A coiled snake might not be venomous, but a venomous person may not be seen,” suggests that you can’t always judge danger by appearances and that deceitful people aren’t always obvious.
Waspada pada orang baru yang kau temui, ular melingkar tiada berbisa, manusia berbisa tiada kelihatan.

Embracing these Indonesian cultural phrases and proverbs can significantly enhance your understanding of the Indonesian language and culture. The proverbs encapsulate common wisdom and local insights that are invaluable for language learners seeking to immerse themselves in the richness of Indonesian expression.