Learning Indonesian is a fascinating journey that opens doors to the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia, the world’s largest island country. If you’ve reached a B2 level in Indonesian, congratulations! You’re already at an advanced intermediate level, which means you can communicate effectively and understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. To help you further enhance your language skills, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential Indonesian words and phrases that are crucial for B2 level learners. This article will explore various vocabulary categories, including everyday expressions, formal language, idiomatic phrases, and specialized terminology.

Everyday Expressions

Even at a B2 level, it’s important to refine your understanding of everyday expressions. These words and phrases are fundamental for effective communication in daily life.

Sebenarnya (Actually): This word is used to express the true nature of something, often in contrast to what might be assumed. For example, “Sebenarnya, saya tidak suka kopi” (Actually, I don’t like coffee).

Sepertinya (It seems): This is a useful word for making assumptions or expressing uncertainty. For example, “Sepertinya, dia tidak akan datang” (It seems, he won’t come).

Memang (Indeed): Used to emphasize a statement or confirm a fact. For example, “Dia memang pintar” (He is indeed smart).

Meskipun (Although): This word is used to introduce a contrast or exception. For example, “Meskipun hujan, kami tetap pergi” (Although it rained, we still went).

Namun (However): A conjunction that introduces a contrasting idea. For example, “Saya suka film itu, namun terlalu panjang” (I like that movie, however, it was too long).

Formal Language

As you progress in your language learning journey, it’s essential to grasp formal language, especially if you’re planning to work or study in Indonesia.

Dengan hormat (With respect): Commonly used at the beginning of formal letters or emails. For example, “Dengan hormat, saya ingin mengajukan permohonan” (With respect, I would like to submit a request).

Sehubungan dengan (In relation to): Often used in formal correspondence to refer to previous communications or topics. For example, “Sehubungan dengan surat Anda tanggal 10 Januari” (In relation to your letter dated January 10th).

Bersama ini (Enclosed herewith): Used to indicate that something is enclosed with a letter or document. For example, “Bersama ini kami lampirkan dokumen yang diminta” (Enclosed herewith, we attach the requested documents).

Atas perhatian Anda (For your attention): A polite way to conclude a formal letter. For example, “Atas perhatian Anda, kami ucapkan terima kasih” (For your attention, we thank you).

Dengan ini (Hereby): Used to officially state something in formal contexts. For example, “Dengan ini kami memberitahukan” (Hereby we inform).

Idiomatic Phrases

Idiomatic expressions add color to any language and are often used in everyday conversations. Here are some Indonesian idiomatic phrases that you should know at a B2 level.

Buah bibir (Talk of the town): Literally meaning “fruit of the lips,” it refers to something or someone that everyone is talking about. For example, “Film baru itu menjadi buah bibir” (The new movie became the talk of the town).

Kambing hitam (Scapegoat): Used to describe someone who is blamed for the mistakes of others. For example, “Dia dijadikan kambing hitam atas kegagalan proyek” (He was made the scapegoat for the project’s failure).

Angkat tangan (Give up): Literally meaning “raise hands,” it is used to express surrender. For example, “Akhirnya dia angkat tangan setelah berdebat panjang” (He finally gave up after a long debate).

Berat hati (Reluctantly): Literally meaning “heavy heart,” it describes doing something unwillingly. For example, “Dengan berat hati, saya menerima keputusan itu” (With a heavy heart, I accept that decision).

Tangan kanan (Right-hand man): Refers to a trusted assistant or confidant. For example, “Dia adalah tangan kanan direktur” (He is the director’s right-hand man).

Specialized Terminology

To achieve fluency, it’s essential to be familiar with specialized vocabulary relevant to different fields such as business, education, and technology.

Business Vocabulary

Pemangku kepentingan (Stakeholder): Used to refer to individuals or groups that have an interest in an organization’s activities. For example, “Pemangku kepentingan harus dilibatkan dalam pengambilan keputusan” (Stakeholders must be involved in decision-making).

Rapat umum pemegang saham (General shareholders meeting): A formal meeting where shareholders discuss company matters. For example, “Rapat umum pemegang saham akan diadakan bulan depan” (The general shareholders meeting will be held next month).

Analisis SWOT (SWOT analysis): A strategic planning tool used to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. For example, “Kita perlu melakukan analisis SWOT untuk strategi bisnis ini” (We need to conduct a SWOT analysis for this business strategy).

Arus kas (Cash flow): Refers to the movement of money in and out of a business. For example, “Arus kas perusahaan saat ini sangat sehat” (The company’s cash flow is currently very healthy).

Keuangan (Finance): The management of large amounts of money, especially by governments or large companies. For example, “Departemen keuangan bertanggung jawab atas anggaran” (The finance department is responsible for the budget).

Education Vocabulary

Beasiswa (Scholarship): Financial aid awarded to a student for education. For example, “Dia menerima beasiswa untuk melanjutkan studi di luar negeri” (He received a scholarship to continue his studies abroad).

Kurikulum (Curriculum): The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college. For example, “Kurikulum baru akan diterapkan mulai semester depan” (The new curriculum will be implemented starting next semester).

Akreditasi (Accreditation): The process of certifying that an educational institution meets certain standards. For example, “Sekolah itu telah mendapatkan akreditasi A” (The school has received an A accreditation).

Ujian akhir (Final exam): The last examination of a course or subject. For example, “Ujian akhir akan dilaksanakan minggu depan” (The final exam will be held next week).

Pengajaran (Teaching): The act of imparting knowledge or instructing. For example, “Metode pengajaran baru telah diperkenalkan di sekolah” (A new teaching method has been introduced at the school).

Technology Vocabulary

Perangkat lunak (Software): Programs and operating information used by a computer. For example, “Perangkat lunak ini sangat membantu dalam pekerjaan sehari-hari” (This software is very helpful in daily tasks).

Keamanan siber (Cybersecurity): The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. For example, “Keamanan siber menjadi fokus utama perusahaan teknologi” (Cybersecurity has become a primary focus for technology companies).

Jaringan (Network): A group of interconnected computers. For example, “Jaringan kantor kami mengalami masalah teknis” (Our office network is experiencing technical issues).

Pemrograman (Programming): The process of writing computer programs. For example, “Pemrograman adalah keterampilan yang sangat dicari saat ini” (Programming is a highly sought-after skill these days).

Penyimpanan awan (Cloud storage): A model of data storage where digital data is stored in logical pools. For example, “Penyimpanan awan memungkinkan akses data dari mana saja” (Cloud storage allows data access from anywhere).

Advanced Conjunctions and Connectors

At a B2 level, it’s crucial to use advanced conjunctions and connectors to articulate your thoughts more clearly and coherently.

Oleh karena itu (Therefore): Used to express a result or consequence. For example, “Dia bekerja keras, oleh karena itu dia berhasil” (He worked hard, therefore he succeeded).

Selain itu (Moreover): Used to add information. For example, “Harga barang ini murah, selain itu kualitasnya juga bagus” (The price of this item is cheap, moreover, its quality is also good).

Namun demikian (Nevertheless): Used to introduce a contrasting statement. For example, “Dia lelah, namun demikian dia tetap bekerja” (He is tired, nevertheless, he continues to work).

Sementara itu (Meanwhile): Used to indicate simultaneous actions. For example, “Ibu memasak, sementara itu ayah membersihkan rumah” (Mother is cooking, meanwhile, father is cleaning the house).

Dengan demikian (Thus): Used to show a logical conclusion. For example, “Dia tidak belajar, dengan demikian nilainya jelek” (He did not study, thus his grades are bad).

Complex Adjectives

To describe situations, emotions, and objects more precisely, you need to be familiar with complex adjectives.

Terperinci (Detailed): Used to describe something with many details. For example, “Laporan ini sangat terperinci” (This report is very detailed).

Menakjubkan (Astonishing): Used to describe something that is extremely surprising or impressive. For example, “Pemandangan di sana sangat menakjubkan” (The scenery there is astonishing).

Kritikal (Critical): Used to describe a situation of great importance. For example, “Situasi ini sangat kritikal bagi perusahaan” (This situation is very critical for the company).

Memuaskan (Satisfactory): Used to describe something that meets the expectations. For example, “Hasil pekerjaannya memuaskan” (The result of his work is satisfactory).

Menonjol (Prominent): Used to describe something that is very noticeable or important. For example, “Dia adalah tokoh yang menonjol di bidangnya” (He is a prominent figure in his field).

Advanced Verbs

Mastering advanced verbs will allow you to express actions more accurately and vividly.

Mengusulkan (To propose): Used to suggest a plan or idea. For example, “Saya mengusulkan agar kita bertemu besok” (I propose that we meet tomorrow).

Menyelidiki (To investigate): Used to examine something carefully, especially to discover the truth. For example, “Polisi sedang menyelidiki kasus tersebut” (The police are investigating the case).

Menanggapi (To respond): Used to react to something that has been said or done. For example, “Dia menanggapi dengan cepat” (He responded quickly).

Menjelaskan (To explain): Used to make something clear or easy to understand. For example, “Guru menjelaskan materi dengan baik” (The teacher explained the material well).

Mengembangkan (To develop): Used to describe the process of growing or improving something. For example, “Perusahaan sedang mengembangkan produk baru” (The company is developing a new product).

Expressions of Opinion

Being able to express your opinions clearly is a key skill at the B2 level. Here are some useful phrases to help you articulate your thoughts.

Saya berpendapat bahwa (I believe that): Used to introduce your opinion. For example, “Saya berpendapat bahwa pendidikan sangat penting” (I believe that education is very important).

Menurut saya (In my opinion): Another way to introduce your personal viewpoint. For example, “Menurut saya, film ini sangat bagus” (In my opinion, this movie is very good).

Saya rasa (I think): A casual way to express your thoughts. For example, “Saya rasa kita harus pergi sekarang” (I think we should go now).

Sejauh yang saya tahu (As far as I know): Used to indicate the limits of your knowledge on a subject. For example, “Sejauh yang saya tahu, dia belum datang” (As far as I know, he hasn’t arrived yet).

Jika boleh berpendapat (If I may say): A polite way to introduce your opinion. For example, “Jika boleh berpendapat, saya lebih suka yang ini” (If I may say, I prefer this one).

Conclusion

Reaching a B2 level in Indonesian is a significant achievement that requires dedication and practice. By incorporating these essential words and phrases into your vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to engage in more complex conversations, understand intricate texts, and express your thoughts more clearly. Remember, language learning is a continuous process, and the more you immerse yourself in the language, the more fluent you’ll become. Selamat belajar! (Happy learning!)