10 Daily Expressions in Indonesian

If you are newly move to Indonesia, learning a few Indonesian expressions can make a huge difference in the way you connect with people around you. It will also be useful to navigate your daily life. This post will show you some Indonesian expressions for your basic Indonesian language skills. These phrases will undoubtely help you to blend in and feel more confident to interact with people in Indonesia. Plus, using Indonesian expressions shows that you’re making an effort to respect the local way of life.

Apa kabar?
This catchy two words phrase in Indonesian means “how are you”. It is one of the most learned daily Indonesian phrases and show your friendliness to the locals. Almost everyone who come to Indonesia knows this expression, but have you pronounced it correctly? Check with your language teacher in Bali!

Hati-hati ya.
Be careful. As if aware that many things could happen when you do something in Indonesia or on your way to your destination (especially if you ride bike your own), Indonesian people love to give you warning by saying this phrase. Hati-hati, said twice, is commonly used along with goodbye phrase when you part with someone during the day.

Saya tidak suka pedas.
Typical Asian foods, especially Indonesian and Malayan dishes are served with chily paste, if not, with spices plunged in the cooking process. Nowadays, some westerners seem to start enjoying these kinds of cookings. However, if you are not a fan of spicy food, this phrase could be your saviour. Saya tidak suka pedas = I don’t like spicy (food) is the normal form of the phrase. If you want to go more casual, substitute “tidak” with “nggak” or “gak”. There, you speak like the locals now.

Sampai jumpa!
To say goodbye in Indonesian casually, you can simply say “dah!”. Yes, as simple as that. But then we don’t learn anything, right? 🙂 So, let’s take a look at the second most common goodbye phrase used in Indonesia: sampai jumpa = see you!, showing your entusiasm and expectation to meet the person again soon in the future.

Terima kasih.
Nothing can ever go wrong by saying thank you, in any part of the world. “Terima kasih”, or “makasih” for its short and relaxed version of the phrase, is how to convey your gratitude for any help, service, offer, or hospitality you’ve received from an Indonesian citizen. You can use it together with Tidak (no), to refuse an offer from street hawkers approching you at the beach, for example. Tidak, terima kasih. Don’t forget to smile while saying that.

Saya masih belajar bahasa Indonesia.
Looking at your effort in speaking Bahasa Indonesia, not only that your Indonesian neighbors will be happy, but also you’ll see them to urge you to speak Bahasa Indonesia even more. Indonesian people will be more than pleased to help you to study, that sometimes they can’t stop asking you questions in Indonesian. To escape the situation, you can tell them that you are not that fluent yet. Saya masih belajar Bahasa Indonesia = I’m still learning Indonesian, hopefully will drive to speak slower and clearer to you.

Maaf.
Making mistake in Indonesia or you simply feel sorry for a little inconvenience caused by your action? “Maaf” is the phrase that is useful for you to express how you feel at the moment. It shows your regret and apology towards the on going situation. Like all apology, saying “maaf” will require a concrete action to amend the situation.

Permisi.
Entering the house of your Indonesian neighbor or passing in front of an Indonesian person (especially the older one), you should say “permisi” which is equal to the meaning of “excuse me”. This phrase is used to politely ask to enter the personal space of the other people in Indonesia or if you are going planning to do another activity and leaving the forum. That is one of the social ethics among the Indonesian people which is commonly practiced in the country.

Kabar saya baik.
We’ve learned the expression to ask ‘how are you’ in Indonesian. Now, what if someone directs that question to you. What will you say to respond to that question? Kabar saya baik = I’m in good condition, may be one of the phrases that you are looking for, if you are telling the other people that you are doing well. At least this phrase will mandatory be said if you are talking to the people you newly met.

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