Essential Words and Phrases in Bahasa Indonesia

To enhance your travel experience and help you connect with the locals, it’s useful to know some basic words and phrases in Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant markets, dining in local restaurants, or navigating the beautiful landscapes, these essential expressions will come in handy.

Greetings and Common Expressions

Basic Greetings

Hello: Halo
Good morning: Selamat pagi
Good afternoon: Selamat siang
Good evening: Selamat sore
Good night: Selamat malam
Goodbye: Selamat tinggal

Polite Phrases

Please: Tolong
Thank you: Terima kasih
You’re welcome: Sama-sama
Excuse me / Sorry: Maaf
Yes: Ya
No: Tidak

Practical Phrases for Travelers

Transportation

Where is… ?: Di mana… ?
How much is the fare?: Berapa ongkosnya?
I want to go to…: Saya mau pergi ke…
Bus: Bus
Taxi: Taksi

Directions

Left: Kiri
Right: Kanan
Straight ahead: Lurus
Near: Dekat
Far: Jauh

Accommodation

Hotel: Hotel
Room: Kamar
Reservation: Reservasi
Check-in: Check-in
Check-out: Check-out

Dining

Restaurant: Restoran
Menu: Menu
Water: Air
Food: Makanan
Drink: Minuman
Delicious: Enak
Not spicy: Tidak pedas
Bill, please: Minta bonnya

Shopping

How much is this?: Berapa harganya?
Expensive: Mahal
Cheap: Murah
I want to buy…: Saya mau beli…
Do you have… ?: Apakah Anda punya… ?

Emergency Phrases

Help!: Tolong!
I’m lost: Saya tersesat
I’m sick: Saya sakit
Call the police: Panggil polisi
Where is the hospital?: Di mana rumah sakit?

Social Etiquette

How are you?: Apa kabar?
Fine, thank you: Baik, terima kasih
What is your name?: Siapa nama Anda?
My name is…: Nama saya…

Local Customs

Can I take a photo?: Boleh saya ambil foto?
Beautiful: Cantik (for people), Indah (for scenery)
Welcome: Selamat datang

Numbers

One: Satu
Two: Dua
Three: Tiga
Four: Empat
Five: Lima
Six: Enam
Seven: Tujuh
Eight: Delapan
Nine: Sembilan
Ten: Sepuluh

Learning a few key phrases in Bahasa Indonesia can greatly enhance your travel experience in Sumatra. Not only does it show respect for the local culture, but it also makes interactions smoother and more enjoyable. Don’t worry about making mistakes; locals appreciate the effort and are usually more than willing to help. Selamat berlibur (happy vacation)!