“When in Rome, do what Romans do.”

When you’re in Indonesia, it’s helpful to know some basic Indonesian phrases. The people there are known for being friendly, but only some speak English. Learning simple Indonesian expressions will let you communicate better and connect with the locals. Plus, using these phrases might even get you extra perks while traveling around the many islands.

This guide gives you some important words and phrases in Bahasa Indonesia that you can use during your trip. From saying hello to ordering food, you’ll have many chances to use these Indonesian words. Indonesians will be impressed if they see you’ve learned a few phrases before you came. It shows them that you care about their country. If you want to learn more about Bahasa Indonesia, this guide is an excellent place to start.

Hi/Hello

ha-low
Halo

How Are You?

ah-pha kha-bar
Apa Kabar

Fine

bha-ick
Baik

Can

bee-suh
Bisa

Thank You

terry-ma ka-see
Terima Kasih

Thank You Very Much

terry-ma ka-see ba-n'yak
Terima Kasih Banyak

Excuse Me

per-me-see
Permisi

My Name Is ...

na-ma sigh-ya
Nama saya ...

What's Your Name?

see-a-pa na-ma moo
Siapa nama-mu?

Yes

ee-ya
Iya

Yes, Correct

buh-nar
Benar

No

tee-duck
Tidak

Maybe

mong-keen
Mungkin

This

ee-nee
Ini

That

ee-too
Itu

Please

toh-long
Tolong

You're Welcome

sa-ma sa-ma
Sama Sama

I'm Sorry

ma-aahf
Maaf

Goodbye

sum-pie joom-pa
Sampai Jumpa

Do You Speak English?

bee-sah bah-ha-sah ing-gris
Bisa bahasa Inggris?

I Don't Understand

sigh-ya tee-duck mung-er-tee
Saya tidak mengerti

Please Repeat

toh-long dee oo-lung
Tolong Ulangi

How Much?

buh-rah-pa
Berapa

Cheap

moo-rah
Murah

Too Expensive

ther-la-loo ma-hall
Terlalu Mahal

Okay, I'll Take It

ba-ick sigh-ya m'ow
Baik, saya mau

I can't Speak Indonesian

sigh-ya tee-duck bee-suh ba-ha-sa indonesia
Saya tidak bisa bahasa Indonesia

Where?

dee-ma-na
Dimana?

Where Is The Hotel?

dee-ma-na hoh-tell n'ya
Dimana Hotelnya?

When?

ka-pun
Kapan?

Turn Right

terry-ma ka-see ba-n'yak
Belok Kanan

Turn Left

bay-lok kee-ree
Belok Kiri