Important Indonesian Words
This quick video tutorial helps introduce travelers to the Indonesian language. Learn proper pronunciation, grammar and essential words to get the most from your trip.
Learn to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you. Put a smile on hundreds of faces along the way by saying just a few simple words in Indonesian. They will help you and they will often try to practice their English with you. It’s a fun experience and a great way to feel the real fabric of Indonesia and its culture.
If you ever find yourself in need of directions or help, just a few Indonesian words can make a big difference.
Indonesian is a phonetic language. One way to learn the Indonesian language bahasa Indonesia pronunciation is to listen to locals speak. After listening carefully, imitate their pronunciation as accurately as possible and practice speaking out loud. Most Indonesians are happy to help you learn the language.
Travelers also can learn a great deal about the Indonesian language by watching local news and programs on Indonesian television.
Watching movies at your hotel can help you learn words because they often are Hollywood movies with Indonesian subtitles.
There are several regional variations to pronunciation and spelling. There also are local dialects and slang, but you can navigate a conversation with just a few words
In addition to regional variations, some words are spelled differently today than they were prior to 1972 (when Indonesia eliminated some of the Dutch influence from the language). For instance, Jakarta and many other words that start with the letter “J” were once spelled with “Dj” at the beginning. Therefore, be prepared to see some variations when reading words that are printed or posted.
For a quick introduction to bahasa Indonesia, please watch this short video overview and then order your copy of the book. Pronunciation is critical, so take your time and practice just a few words at a time. Terima kasih! Watch our Indonesian tutorial.
Indonesia is the fourth-largest nation in the world with more than 267 million people. The country is comprised of more than 17,500 islands, including Bali, Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Learn more about Indonesia.
