Basic Words

1. Ya

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic affirmative reply; also works when someone checks something with you

2. Tidak

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; say it gently to stay polite

3. Tolong

   Please

   Usage

   Add it when asking for something; it also works on its own

4. Terima kasih

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic thank-you when you receive something or get help

5. Permisi

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Use to get a stranger's attention or to squeeze past someone

6. Maaf

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology when you are at fault — bumping into someone, making a mistake

7. Tidak apa-apa

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both to wave off an apology and to decline help or concern

8. Saya tidak mengerti

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say this first when the language is not getting through; people will rephrase

9. Saya mengerti

   I understand

   Usage

   The reply when you have understood; it also signals agreement

10. Sudah selesai

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you are done with a meal, a payment, or a procedure

11. Mohon tunggu

    Please wait

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to hold on

12. Sebentar ya

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For just a few seconds — while you find your wallet or your bag

13. Satu orang dewasa

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance, to state how many people

14. Saya tidak punya reservasi

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Say this first when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. Saya punya reservasi

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    At the front desk; follow it with your name

16. Tolong bantu saya

    Please help me

    Usage

    Call for help in an emergency — it is fine to shout this

17. Tolong ulangi sekali lagi

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what they just said

18. Tolong bicara pelan-pelan

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When someone speaks too fast; people almost always slow down

19. Saya bisa sedikit

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Keeps the conversation going while lowering expectations

20. Apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Check for a shared language when you need to discuss something complicated

21. Ini

    This

    Usage

    Point at something near you and show this word

22. Itu

    That

    Usage

    Indonesian has only a two-way contrast — "ini" (this) and "itu" (that) — so it does not distinguish "that" from "that over there"

23. Di sini

    Here

    Usage

    Indicates the place where you are

24. Di situ

    There (near you)

    Usage

    Indicates a place near the person you are talking to

25. Di sana

    Over there

    Usage

    Indicates a place away from both of you

26. Saya

    I / me

    Usage

    The word for yourself — polite with anyone

27. Anda

    You

    Usage

    The formal "you"; use "kamu" with people you are close to

28. Bersama

    Together

    Usage

    Use to indicate doing something together, e.g. going or eating together

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