Basic Indonesian phrases for travel

Excuse me

per-MEE-see

The universal opener, great for getting a waiter’s attention, stopping a stranger for directions, or squeezing past someone on the metro. Lead with it and everything after goes smoother.

The safest all-purpose opener for getting attention, passing through, or entering a small shop.

• Sorry Maaf mah-AHF ▶

Please

TOH-long

Attach it to almost any request. It softens everything, and locals notice when visitors use it.

Use before requests. At the end of a request, “ya” often softens it naturally.

Thank you

tuh-REE-mah KAH-see

You can never say it too often. Use it for every small service such as handing over change, bringing a dish, giving directions.

Thank you very much

tuh-REE-mah KAH-see BAH-nyak

For when someone has gone out of their way and to show that extra bit of gratitude.

You’re welcome

SAH-mah SAH-mah

The universal response to thank you.

• No worries Nggak apa-apa nggak AH-pah AH-pah ▶

I’m sorry

mah-AHF

For bumping into someone, knocking over a glass, or any small offence.

Yes

EE-yah

Everyone knows when to say yes, and being able to say it in the local language can be a really helpful way to navigate social interactions.

No

TEE-dak

Similar to yes, everyone knows when to use it and being able to say it in the local language can help across all sorts of situations.

• Casual Nggak nggak ▶

Okay

OH-keh

An all-purpose acknowledgement whether you’re confirming a price, a meeting point, a plan. Generally used the same way across languages.

• Sounds good Boleh BOH-leh ▶

Perfect

pahs suh-KAH-lee

Warmer than a plain “okay”, and a great way to show you’re happy with a suggestion, a price, or a plan.

That works for me

BEE-sah buh-GEE-too

Accepting a suggestion — a later table, a different room, an earlier train. Signals easy-going agreement.

No problem

TEE-dak AH-pah AH-pah

Reassuring someone who apologises, or waving off a small inconvenience. Keeps the mood light on both sides.

• Casual Nggak apa-apa nggak AH-pah AH-pah ▶

One moment, please

suh-BEN-tar yah

Buying yourself a few seconds when digging for your wallet, checking your phone, or holding a shop queue while you decide. Locals will be more patient when you can ask it in the local language

Could you help me, please?

BEE-sah BAHN-too SIGH-yah

The polite way to open any request for assistance. Locals will be even more enthused to help when you ask it in their language.

Hello

HAH-loh

A must know in every language. A “hello” in the local language tends to get smiles, open doors, and has locals more eager to help.

• Muslim greeting Assalamualaikum ah-sah-lah-moo-ah-LIGH-koom ▶

Hi

high

The casual “hello” for friends, colleagues, and anyone you know well. A friendly opener that works in most situations.

Good morning

suh-LAH-maht PAH-gee

Use it until around midday. A warm way to greet hotel staff, waiters and shopkeepers at the start of the day.

Good afternoon

suh-LAH-maht see-AHNG

For the stretch between lunch and sunset, in languages that use it. If you’re unsure of the cutoff, locals will forgive you either way.

Good evening

suh-LAH-maht MAH-lahm

The greeting for later in the day — walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Used after dark; it can mean both good evening and good night.

Goodbye

SAHM-pigh JOOM-pah

Leaving a shop, ending a chat, stepping out of a taxi. Locals will notice when you say it in their language, and it’s a nice way to close any encounter.

• Casual Dadah DAH-dah ▶

See you later

SAHM-pigh NAHN-tee

The friendly farewell for people you’ll cross paths with again such as hotel staff, your regular barista, new acquaintances.

Have a good day

suh-MOH-gah HAH-ree-moo muh-nyuh-NAHN-kan

A warm sign-off after any small exchange. A great one to know in any language because locals will always appreciate it after an interaction.

My name is [name]

NAH-mah SIGH-yah [NAH-mah]

It’s always useful being able to introduce yourself in the local language. A great way to build friends in your travels.

How are you?

AH-pah KAH-bar

The polite version for strangers and staff. In a lot of countries it’s seen as a genuine question, so be ready for a real answer.

• Casual Gimana kabarnya? gee-MAH-nah KAH-bar-nyah ▶

I’m well, thank you

bah-EEK tuh-REE-mah KAH-see

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Bounce the question back with a smile and you’ve just had your first conversation!

Nice to meet you

suh-NAHNG ber-TUH-moo DUH-ngahn AHN-dah

Always a great one to say when meeting someone new on your travels. Knowing it in the local language is a nice touch that locals will appreciate.