Let's Talk Some Bahasa Indonesia...
Everytime I meet someone (my customers) from other countries, I always want to introduce my language to them. My plan is to introduce one of the cultural aspect of my country and of course I want them feeling close to Indonesia and Bali in particular and -to help them 'survive' the days here.
Survive?
But how that works?
Well, I learned that the 'sensation of being ripped off' experienced by many visitors to Bali is partially caused by the visitors themselves who deliberately telling everyone they meet in Bali or Indonesia that this is their first trip. First trip means that you know very little about anything in Bali hence got not so many friends to take care of you. Being a first timer, you will become a 'vulnerable target' of overpriced stuff, misdirection or worse, crime. None of the above indicates a safe and smooth travelling.
So here, I would like to share some useful Indonesian words and how to pronounce it properly and its meaning in English. I hope by mastering these words or phrases or short sentences you will be able to claim that this is not your first time in Bali and eventually will give impression that you are quiet regular visitors, have close friends who tought you the language thus prevent anyone from being tricky towards you.
Following I am trying my best to list words, phrases and short sentences in Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian National language spoken nationwide). Please note that in anywhere in Indonesia Indonesian talk at least two languages which is Bahasa Indonesia and our local languages which is ethnicity based.
Also this list of Indonesian words is just one of a long list of what you can do to arm yourself in a foreign country. The rest responsibility will be borne by individual.
Please remember the list below only containing Bahasa Indonesia and its meaning in English. In daily practice you will hear many people talking in our native Balinese language or other languages.
The thing is Indonesian language is very easy to learn and simple in structure. You need to read all letters and there you go.
Happy learning!
Survive?
But how that works?
Well, I learned that the 'sensation of being ripped off' experienced by many visitors to Bali is partially caused by the visitors themselves who deliberately telling everyone they meet in Bali or Indonesia that this is their first trip. First trip means that you know very little about anything in Bali hence got not so many friends to take care of you. Being a first timer, you will become a 'vulnerable target' of overpriced stuff, misdirection or worse, crime. None of the above indicates a safe and smooth travelling.
So here, I would like to share some useful Indonesian words and how to pronounce it properly and its meaning in English. I hope by mastering these words or phrases or short sentences you will be able to claim that this is not your first time in Bali and eventually will give impression that you are quiet regular visitors, have close friends who tought you the language thus prevent anyone from being tricky towards you.
Following I am trying my best to list words, phrases and short sentences in Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian National language spoken nationwide). Please note that in anywhere in Indonesia Indonesian talk at least two languages which is Bahasa Indonesia and our local languages which is ethnicity based.
Also this list of Indonesian words is just one of a long list of what you can do to arm yourself in a foreign country. The rest responsibility will be borne by individual.
Please remember the list below only containing Bahasa Indonesia and its meaning in English. In daily practice you will hear many people talking in our native Balinese language or other languages.
The thing is Indonesian language is very easy to learn and simple in structure. You need to read all letters and there you go.
Happy learning!
Our Vowels and Its Pronounciation
- A is pronounced as 'a' in Alpha
- I is pronounced as 'ee' in Tee
- U is pronounced as 'oo' in Book
- E is pronounced as 'a' in a Girrafe
- O is pronounced as 'o' in Joke
Note : please do not worry about dipththongs. Most Indonesian words don't use them. Keep sticking with 'you read and speak whatever it is written'.
Let's Start!
- Apa kabar? > how are you?
- Saya > I
- Anda or Kamu (casual manner) > You
- Saya (followed by your name) > I am_____ (for introduction)
- Saya dari (followed by your country) > I am from_____ (for introduction)
- Berapa? > How much
- Mahal > Expensive or more punctuative > Terlalu Mahal! (ter-la-lu mahal) > too expensive!
- Terima kasih or Makasi (casual manner) > Thank You
- Tidak > No or Tidak, makasi > No, thank you
- Ya > Yes
- Nanti > Later. This is my favorite short word to refuse offer. Say it flat
- Bisa English? > Can you speak English?
- Nama > Name
- Nama kamu? > your name...?
- Nama hotel saya (followed by your hotel name) > My hotel is______
- Bisa bawa saya? > Can you take (drive) me?
- Kemana? > Where to?
- Di mana (followed by object)? > Where is______
- Saya ada teman > I have friend
- Saya suka > I like
- Bantu > Help eg. Bisa Bantu Saya? > Can you help me?
- Ayo! > Let's go