While learning essential words and phrases may not usually be on your pre-travel to-do list, it’s always a good idea to level up your linguistic skills in preparation for your holiday. Asking for directions may get you from A to B, but doing so in the local language will not only help in difficult situations – but also show your genuine interest and respect for the culture.
But, with over 300 languages spoken throughout the country, where do you begin? For the most part, everyone you meet will speak Bahasa Indonesia – with extra brownie points for Balinese when on the island. So to help you out, we’ve rounded up the most common words and phrases – and put them all in one handy place.
English: Good Morning
Indonesian: Selamat Pagi
Balinese: Rahajeng Semeng
English: Good Afternoon
Indonesian: Selamat Siang
Balinese: Rahajeng Tengai
English: Goodnight
Indonesian: Selamat Malam
Balinese: Rahajeng Wengi
English: How are you?
Indonesian: Apa kabar?
Balinese: Punapi gatra?
English: I'm sorry/pardon
Indonesian: Mohon maaf
Balinese: Ampura
English: Thank you
Indonesian: Terima kasih
Balinese: Matur suksma
English: How much is this?
Indonesian: Berapa harganya?
Balinese: Aji kuda niki?
English: Where is ...
Indonesian: Di mana …
Balinese: Dija …
English: I want to order …
Indonesian: Saya mau pesan …
Balinese: Tiang jagi numbas …
English: What is your name?
Indonesian: Siapa nama kamu?
Balinese: Sira pesengen ragane?
English: My name is …
Indonesian: Nama saya …
Balinese: Pesengan tiang …
English: Do you speak English?
Indonesian: Anda bisa bicara bahasa Inggris?
Balinese: Jerone uning ngeraos bahasa Inggris?
English: Today
Indonesian: Hari ini
Balinese: Dina ne mangkin
English: Tomorrow
Indonesian: Besok
Balinese: Benjang
English: Yesterday
Indonesian: Kemarin
Balinese: Dibi
Written by Rae-Anne Gouyette
