The first priority in Indonesia, believe it or not, is being polite. Not getting the job done, getting to where you are going or getting the correct change. The general wisdom that even a few polite words will return much appreciation is usually true. On the other hand, unkind or loud words in any language will instantly turn you into an invisible being.

Any conversation beyond the vocabulary here assumes that you know more about the language than you actually do. This may put you on the receiving end of a long monologue to which you are expected to nod and make the occasional non-committal response.

Vocabulary (Click on the sound icon to listen)

  Selamat pagi - Good morning

  Selamat siang - Good day

  Selamat sore - Good afternoon

  Selamat malam - Good evening

  Terima kasih - Thank you

  Ya - Yes (often means no)

  Tidak - No

  Apa kabar? - How are you? What's new?

  Baik, dan Bapak? - Fine, and you? (to a man)

  Baik, dan Ibu? - Fine, and you? (to a woman)

  Selamat jalan - Good bye (to a person leaving)

  Selamat tinggal - Good bye (to a person staying)

  Kembali - You're welcome

  Silakan duduk - Please sit down

  Silakan masuk - Please come in

  Saya tidak bisa bahasa Indonesia - I don't speak Indonesian. (This will be painfully obvious to any Indonesian, but it's a polite way to fill in those awkward moments.)


Additional Info - Basic Greetings

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| Day 1 - Being Polite | Day 2 - The Taxi | Day 3 - More Politeness | Day 4 - Numbers | Day 5 - Simple Sentences | Day 6 - Asking Questions | Day 7 - Leftovers |