LangMedia

Indonesian in Indonesia

Useful Expressions

Audio

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  • "Please"
    (version 1, used with a polite request)
    Silakan
  • "Please"
    (used to request help)
    Tolong
  • "Thank You"

    Terima Kasih
  • "Excuse Me"

    Maaf
  • "You're Welcome"
    (version 1, literally means "back" as in "back to you")
    Kembali
  • "You're Welcome"
    (literally "same to you")
    Sama-sama
  • "yes"

    ya
  • "yes"

    iya
  • "no"
    (version 1, used to negate verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in order to answer no to the questions "Would you like a drink?" or "Are you hungry?")
    tidak
  • "no"
    (version 2, to negate nouns, in order to answer no to the questions "Are you a teacher?" or "Is it a book?")
    bukan
  • "I don't speak Indonesian."

    Saya tidak berbicara bahasa Indonesia.
  • "Do you speak English?"

    Bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  • "I don't understand."
    (version 1, literally "I understand less" used more often than version 2 because it sounds more polite and indirect)
    Saya kurang mengerti.
  • "I don't understand."
    (version 2, more direct and hence not quite as polite sounding as version 1)
    Saya tidak mengerti.
  • "I don't know."
    ("I know less" used as a polite way of indicating uncertainty about something, does not necessarily indicate that the person knows nothing about the question or subject, only that the person does not feel s/he knows enough to give a complete answer)
    Saya kurang tahu.
  • "I don't know."
    (version 2, a more direct way for a person to indicate s/he is unsure about something)
    Saya tidak tahu.