Indonesian, or Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language of Indonesia and is spoken by over 270 million people. As a rich and diverse language, it offers a variety of phrases and expressions that convey unique cultural nuances. Whether you are planning to travel to Indonesia, or simply wish to learn more about the language, understanding these famous phrases can be incredibly beneficial. This article will delve into some of the most famous and widely-used phrases in the Indonesian language.

Common Greetings

One of the first things you’ll need to know when learning a new language is how to greet people. Indonesian has a range of greetings suitable for various times of the day and occasions.

Selamat pagi – Good morning

Selamat siang – Good afternoon

Selamat sore – Good evening

Selamat malam – Good night

Selamat tinggal – Goodbye (when you are the one leaving)

Selamat jalan – Goodbye (when someone else is leaving)

Apa kabar? – How are you?

Baik – Good (the usual response to “Apa kabar?”)

Expressions of Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is an important part of any culture. Here are some phrases to help you say thanks in Indonesian:

Terima kasih – Thank you

Terima kasih banyak – Thank you very much

Sama-sama – You’re welcome

Terima kasih atas bantuan Anda – Thank you for your help

Polite Expressions

Being polite and showing respect is crucial in Indonesian culture. Here are some phrases to help you navigate social interactions politely:

Maaf – Sorry/Excuse me

Permisi – Excuse me (used to get someone’s attention or to pass by)

Mohon maaf – Please forgive me

Silakan – Please (used to invite someone to do something)

Tolong – Please (used to ask for help)

Basic Conversational Phrases

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll want to start engaging in more detailed conversations. Here are some phrases to help you get started:

Nama saya… – My name is…

Anda berasal dari mana? – Where are you from?

Saya berasal dari… – I am from…

Berapa umur Anda? – How old are you?

Saya berumur… – I am…years old

Apakah Anda bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris? – Can you speak English?

Ya, saya bisa – Yes, I can

Tidak, saya tidak bisa – No, I cannot

Numbers and Counting

Understanding numbers is essential for daily activities like shopping or telling time. Here are some basic numbers in Indonesian:

Satu – One

Dua – Two

Tiga – Three

Empat – Four

Lima – Five

Enam – Six

Tujuh – Seven

Delapan – Eight

Sembilan – Nine

Sepuluh – Ten

Seratus – One hundred

Seribu – One thousand

Common Questions

Asking questions is a key part of learning a new language. Here are some common questions in Indonesian:

Apa ini? – What is this?

Di mana… – Where is…

Kapan… – When…

Siapa… – Who…

Mengapa… – Why…

Bagaimana… – How…

Berapa harganya? – How much does it cost?

Food and Dining

Food is an integral part of Indonesian culture. Here are some phrases you might find useful when dining out:

Menu – Menu

Pesan – To order

Makanan – Food

Minuman – Drink

Enak – Delicious

Pedas – Spicy

Berapa harganya? – How much does it cost?

Saya mau… – I want…

Tagihan – Bill/check

Transportation

Navigating transportation is crucial when traveling. Here are some useful phrases:

Di mana halte bus? – Where is the bus stop?

Berapa ongkosnya? – How much is the fare?

Saya mau pergi ke… – I want to go to…

Kereta api – Train

Bus – Bus

Taksi – Taxi

Bandara – Airport

Shopping Phrases

Shopping is another essential activity where language skills come in handy. Here are some useful phrases for shopping:

Berapa harganya? – How much does it cost?

Ada diskon? – Is there a discount?

Ini terlalu mahal – This is too expensive

Bisa kurang? – Can it be cheaper?

Saya mau beli ini – I want to buy this

Emergency Phrases

In case of emergencies, these phrases can be extremely helpful:

Tolong! – Help!

Polisi – Police

Pemadam kebakaran – Fire department

Ambulans – Ambulance

Saya perlu dokter – I need a doctor

Saya sakit – I am sick

Kehilangan – Lost

Interacting with Locals

Engaging with locals can make your experience more enriching. Here are some phrases to help you:

Bagaimana cuacanya hari ini? – How is the weather today?

Apakah Anda suka tinggal di sini? – Do you like living here?

Apa pekerjaan Anda? – What is your job?

Apa hobi Anda? – What are your hobbies?

Senang bertemu dengan Anda – Nice to meet you

Travel Phrases

When traveling, these phrases might come in handy:

Di mana hotel terdekat? – Where is the nearest hotel?

Saya punya reservasi – I have a reservation

Paspor – Passport

Tiket – Ticket

Wisata – Tour

Pemandu wisata – Tour guide

Idiomatic Expressions

Indonesian, like any other language, has its own set of idiomatic expressions. Here are a few:

Buah tangan – Souvenir (literally “hand fruit”)

Kambing hitam – Scapegoat (literally “black goat”)

Angkat tangan – Give up (literally “raise hands”)

Berat hati – Reluctant (literally “heavy heart”)

Jalan tikus – Shortcut (literally “rat road”)

Proverbs and Sayings

Indonesian culture is rich in proverbs and sayings that offer wisdom and life lessons:

Seperti pungguk merindukan bulan – Like an owl longing for the moon (used to describe longing for something unattainable)

Air tenang menghanyutkan – Still waters run deep

Dimana ada kemauan, disitu ada jalan – Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Bagai makan buah simalakama – Like eating the fruit of the simalakama (a situation where every option is bad)

Tak kenal maka tak sayang – If you don’t know, you can’t love

Conclusion

Learning Indonesian phrases can significantly enhance your experience in Indonesia, whether you are visiting for travel, work, or study. From basic greetings to idiomatic expressions, these phrases offer a glimpse into the rich and diverse culture of Indonesia. By familiarizing yourself with these famous phrases, you will not only improve your language skills but also deepen your understanding of Indonesian culture and make your interactions with locals more meaningful.