With so many different languages around the world going on, we’re lucky that the tourist places in Bali do speak and understand English. Not only the English language, but some guides and travel agencies are able to communicate in different languages. For example French, Dutch, German, Italian, Japanese and many more.
However, let’s try to learn some simple words and phrases that you can use while you are here. Local Balinese are often able to speak Bahasa Bali, Bahasa Indonesia and English.
Bahasa Indonesia words and phrases (spoken all over Indonesia)
Basic Introductions:
- My name is Dwi = nama saya Dwi
Pronounced as: Na – ma sa – ya Dwi - What is your name? = Siapa nama Anda?
Pronounced as: See-a-pa na-ma An-da - How are you = Apa kabar
Pronounced as: a-pa ka-bar - Yes = Iya
Pronounced as: I – ya - No = Tidak
Pronounced as: Ti-da - Thank you = Terima Kasih
Pronounced as: Te – ri -ma ka- si - Sorry = Maaf
Pronounced as: Ma – af
In a Restaurant:
Basics on how to order and get around in the restaurant.
- Can you speak English? = Bisa bahasa Inggris
Pronounced as: Bi-sa ba – ha – sa Inggris - I am looking for a bathroom = saya cari wc
Pronounced as: sa-ya tja – ri wee-cee - Can I have a menu? = Bisa saya minta menu?
Pronounced as: Bee-sa sa-ya min-ta me-nu - How much does it cost? = berapa harganya?
Pronounced as: be-ra-pa har-ga – nya - Expensive = Mahal
Pronounced as: Ma-hal - Cheap = Murah
Pronounced as: Mu-rah - Breakfast = sarapan
Pronounced as: sa – ra – pan - Lunch = Makan siang
Pronounced as: Ma – kan si – ang - Dinner = Makan Malam
Pronounced as: Ma – kan Ma – lam - Spicy = Pedas
Pronounced as: Pu – das - Not Spicy = Tidak Pedas
Pronounced as: Ti-da Pu – das - Can I pay? = Bisa saya bayar?
Pronounced as: Bee-sa sa-ya ba-yar
Titles:
Titles are used as a form to address and respect.
- Cousin / brother = Mas
Pronounced as: Mas - Cousin / sister = Ba
Pronounced as: Ba - Auntie = Ibu
Pronounced as: I-bu - Uncle = Bapak
Pronounced as: ba-pak
When you are asked for Taxi, massage, or somebody talks to you on the street selling something, you could reply: No thank you = Tidak Terima Kasih.
When it persists, like somebody selling something you already have, you can say, sudah.
Interesting fact: Balinese and Indonesian languages are not dialects, they’re totally different.
Ordering some place
If you order tea or anything, it comes with (lots) of sugar. So you need to use the word tawar, in this context it means tea without sugar. It can also be used for coffee.
Local taste buds are different and spicy taste is very normal. If you don’t want your food spicy, mention tidak pedas
Hi I am Dwi. I am a blogger, travel agent and a mom of a lovely daughter and wife to a supportive husband. I customize and plan tours in Bali and islands nearby for a living and have been doing this for more than 14 years. Get in touch via contact [at] taletravels.com