Indonesia's stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture attract millions of visitors each year. But to truly experience the heart of this diverse archipelago, speaking a few phrases in Bahasa Indonesia can transform your journey from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're island-hopping in Bali, exploring ancient temples in Yogyakarta, or sampling street food in Jakarta, these essential Indonesian phrases will help you navigate with confidence and connect with locals on a deeper level. If you want to jump into more serious learning, though, you can get started by trying a free lesson on Babbel now.

Why Learn Indonesian Phrases?

Everyone's inspiration for learning a language is probably a little different, and finding the motivation to keep going requires looking at your own life and goals. That said, if you need a little push, here are a few reasons

  1. Cultural Respect — Using even basic Indonesian phrases shows respect for local customs and traditions.

  2. Warmer Interactions — Locals appreciate tourists who make an effort to speak their language, often resulting in friendlier service and genuine connections.

  3. Better Deals — Speaking Indonesian can help you negotiate better prices at markets and avoid tourist markups.

  4. Navigation Ease — Basic phrases make getting around, ordering food, and finding accommodations significantly easier.

  5. Richer Experience — Understanding the language opens doors to authentic cultural experiences most tourists miss.

Common Indonesian Phrases

Every language has far more than one way to say "hello" depending on the context. Here are some of the most-used ways to greet someone in Indonesian. We also go into a few other of those everyday phrases that everyone should have in their back pocket.

1. Selamat pagi — Good morning
Used from dawn until around 11:00 AM, this is your go-to morning greeting. Pronounced "seh-LAH-mat PAH-gee," it's universally understood throughout Indonesia.

2. Selamat siang — Good afternoon
For the period from around 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, "selamat siang" (seh-LAH-mat see-AHNG) is appropriate.

3. Selamat sore — Good evening
From approximately 3:00 PM until sunset, Indonesians use "selamat sore" (seh-LAH-mat SOH-reh).

4. Selamat malam — Good night
After dark, "selamat malam" (seh-LAH-mat MAH-lahm) becomes the appropriate greeting.

5. Apa kabar? — How are you?
This universal question follows most greetings in Indonesia. The standard response — in the same way you might answer "I'm good" in English even if you aren't "good" — is Baik-baik saja, terima kasih ("I'm fine, thank you").

6. Terima kasih — Thank you
Perhaps the most important phrase to learn, terima kasih (teh-REE-mah KAH-see) expresses gratitude.

7. Sama-sama — You're welcome
The standard response to "terima kasih," pronounced "SAH-mah SAH-mah."

8. Permisi — Excuse me
This multipurpose phrase can be used to get someone's attention, to apologize for bumping into someone, or to ask permission to pass by. This just might be the word you use the most.

9. Maaf — Sorry
Used to apologize for mistakes or inconveniences. This is two syllables because the Indonesian alphabet doesn't double letters for no reason, so it's pronounced "mah-AHF."

10. Sampai jumpa — See you later
A friendly way to say goodbye, pronounced "sahm-PIE JOOM-pah."

Important Indonesian Phrases for Travel

The vocabulary you need is probably reliant on your itinerary — are you going to a lot of restaurants? are there specific activities you're doing? — but these ones are applicable to pretty much everyone.

1. Di mana toilet? — Where is the restroom?
Perhaps one of the most practical phrases for any traveler, this question will help you locate facilities when needed. Pronounced "dee MAH-nah TOI-let."

2. Saya ingin... — I would like...
This versatile phrase allows you to express your desires or needs.
Example: Saya ingin pesan taksi ("I would like to order a taxi") or Saya ingin makan nasi goreng ("I would like to eat fried rice").

3. Berapa harganya? — How much is this?
Essential for shopping in Indonesia's vibrant markets. Pronounced "beh-RAH-pah har-GAH-nyah."

4. Bisa lebih murah? — Can it be cheaper?
A polite way to negotiate prices, pronounced "BEE-sah leh-BEE moo-RAH."

5. Di mana...? — Where is...?
Use this to ask for directions, followed by your destination.
Example: Di mana stasiun kereta? ("Where is the train station?")

6. Saya tidak mengerti — I don't understand
Useful when you're lost in translation, pronounced "SAH-yah TEE-dak meng-ER-tee."

7. Bisa bicara pelan-pelan? — Can you speak slowly?
Ask locals to slow down when they're speaking too quickly. Pronounced "BEE-sah bee-CHA-rah peh-LAN peh-LAN."

8. Saya turis — I am a tourist
Sometimes explaining that you're a visitor helps locals adjust their expectations and understand where you're coming from.

More Advanced Indonesian Phrases

If you want to use some local Indonesian idioms and proverbs, here are a few popular ones.

1. Ada gula ada semut — Where there's sugar, there are ants
This popular saying means that where there's something attractive or beneficial, people will naturally gather. It's similar to the English expression "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

2. Air beriak tanda tak dalam — Rippling water indicates shallowness
This proverb suggests that people who talk a lot or show off often have little substance. Conversely, those who are quiet and modest (thus, not rippling) often possess deep wisdom.

3. Berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing — Heavy burdens are carried together, light ones are shared too
This saying emphasizes the importance of cooperation and mutual support in Indonesian society.

4. Tak kenal maka tak sayang — If you don't know, you can't love
This proverb suggests that familiarity and understanding are essential for developing affection or appreciation.

5. Gajah di pelupuk mata tak tampak, semut di seberang lautan tampak — The elephant in the eyelid is not seen, the ant across the ocean is seen
This saying points out how people often overlook their own flaws while being quick to notice and criticize the faults of others.

How Do You Flirt In Indonesian? (Use with Caution!)

Indonesia is generally conservative, especially in rural areas, so use these phrases only in appropriate social contexts, particularly in cosmopolitan cities or tourist areas. Some of these, though, also work in even non-flirting situations to make connections with new people.

1. Kamu cantik/tampan — You are beautiful/handsome
A simple compliment can be a good icebreaker. Use "cantik" for women and "tampan" for men.

2. Boleh saya minta nomor telepon Anda? — May I have your phone number?
A polite way of asking for contact information that shows respect while expressing interest.

3. Aku suka kamu — I like you
For expressing romantic interest, this phrase is direct but not too intense.

4. Kamu dari mana? — Where are you from?
A casual conversation starter that expresses interest in getting to know someone.

5. Maukah kamu pergi denganku Sabtu malam? — Would you like to go out with me Saturday night?
A direct but polite way to ask someone on a date.

6. Boleh saya duduk di sini? — May I sit here?
A chill way to initiate conversation in a social setting.

7. Aku cinta kamu — I love you
The most straightforward way to express love in Indonesian. It's quite a serious declaration, so use it only when your feelings are genuine (i.e. not when you've just met someone).

Understanding Indonesian Slang: Why Anjing Isn't for Tourists

In Indonesian language and culture, the word anjing literally means "dog." However, it's important to understand that this word is often used as a curse word or expletive in colloquial speech, similar to how certain animal names might be used offensively in English.

The usage stems from cultural and religious contexts where dogs are sometimes considered unclean animals, particularly in Islamic traditions that are prevalent in Indonesia. When used as a curse word, it's considered highly offensive and inappropriate in polite company or formal settings.

Young Indonesians sometimes use a shortened version "njing" among close friends as slang, similar to how English speakers might use certain offensive terms affectionately within their friend groups. However, as a visitor, it's best to avoid using this word entirely, as the nuances of when it's acceptable and when it's offensive can be difficult to navigate.

5 Effective Ways to Practice Indonesian Phrases

1. Use Babbel's Interactive Lessons

Babbel offers structured lessons that introduce Indonesian phrases in context, with audio pronunciation guides from native speakers. The app's speech recognition technology helps you perfect your pronunciation, ensuring locals will understand you.

2. Create Flashcards

Make physical or digital flashcards with Indonesian phrases on one side and English translations on the other. Review them daily, especially before your trip.

3. Find a Language Exchange Partner

Connect with Indonesian speakers online through language exchange platforms. Practice your phrases in real conversations and get immediate feedback.

4. Immerse Yourself in Indonesian Media

Watch Indonesian films with subtitles, listen to Indonesian music, or follow Indonesian social media accounts to see how phrases are used in context.

5. Practice with Locals

Once in Indonesia, don't be shy about using your phrases with locals. Many people are patient and appreciative of anyone trying to speak their native language.

Your Indonesian Language Journey Starts Here

Learning Indonesian phrases isn't just about practical communication—it's your key to unlocking authentic experiences throughout the archipelago. With these essential expressions, you're well-equipped to start navigating Indonesia with confidence and connect with locals in meaningful ways.

Remember that pronunciation matters, but usually people will appreciate your efforts even if you don't get it perfect. The warm smiles and enthusiastic responses you receive when attempting to speak Bahasa Indonesia make the learning effort worthwhile.

Ready to expand your Indonesian vocabulary beyond these basics? Babbel's specialized courses are designed to get you speaking confidently from day one, with interactive lessons that focus on real-life conversations and cultural insights. Start your journey to Indonesian fluency today and transform your adventure from ordinary to extraordinary.

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