Greetings

1. Halo

   Hello

   Usage

   Casual greeting usable at any time of day

   Grammar Note

   "Halo" is from English. Formal: "Selamat" + time (Selamat pagi/siang/sore/malam). In Bali, "Om Swastiastu" is the Hindu greeting

2. Terima kasih

   Thank you

   Grammar Note

   "Terima kasih" = receive love. Casual: "Makasih". Reply: "Sama-sama" or "Kembali"

3. Sama-sama

   You're welcome

   Grammar Note

   "Sama" means "same"; reduplication creates the sense of "mutually / likewise". Indonesian uses word doubling (reduplication) to express plurality or reciprocity (e.g. anak-anak = children)

4. Maaf / Permisi

   Sorry / Excuse me

   Usage

   "Maaf" is for apologies; "Permisi" is used to get someone's attention or pass through

   Grammar Note

   "Maaf" (from Arabic) is a sincere apology; "Permisi" (from Dutch "permissie", not Portuguese) is a lighter "excuse me". Indonesian distinguishes degrees of apology

5. Ya

   Yes

   Grammar Note

   "Ya" is a general affirmative. It can also be added at the end of sentences for softening or confirmation ("right?"). Colloquial form: "Iya"

6. Tidak

   No

   Grammar Note

   "Tidak" negates verbs/adjectives (formal); "Bukan" negates nouns (e.g. "Ini bukan buku" = this is not a book). Casual: "Nggak" or "Enggak"

7. Saya mengerti

   I understand

   Grammar Note

   "mengerti" = prefix "me-" + "erti" (meaning/understand). The active prefix "me-" is common in Indonesian verbs. "Saya paham" is a common alternative

8. Saya tidak mengerti

   I don't understand

   Grammar Note

   Indonesian verbs do not conjugate for tense. "Saya tidak mengerti" works for present, past, and future. Negation is formed simply by placing "tidak" before the verb

9. Bisa bahasa Inggris?

   Can you speak English?

   Grammar Note

   Subject is dropped in this casual form. Full: "Apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?" "Bahasa" = language; used in "Bahasa Indonesia", "Bahasa Jepang" etc.

10. Nama saya...

    My name is...

    Grammar Note

    Indonesian has no possessive particle; ownership is shown by "noun + pronoun" (e.g. "nama saya" = my name). "Saya" is formal, "aku" is casual

11. Apa kabar?

    How are you?

    Usage

    Reply with "Baik, terima kasih" — "Fine, thank you"

    Grammar Note

    "Apa kabar" = what's the news = how are you. Reply: "Baik" (good) or "Baik-baik saja" (just fine)

12. Selamat pagi

    Good morning

    Grammar Note

    "Selamat" is used for greetings and celebrations: "selamat pagi/siang/sore/malam". Also: "Selamat ulang tahun" (happy birthday)

13. Selamat malam

    Good evening / Good night

    Grammar Note

    "Selamat malam" serves as both an evening greeting and a goodnight farewell. For specifically wishing someone sleep: "Selamat tidur"

14. Sampai jumpa

    Goodbye

    Grammar Note

    "Sampai jumpa" = until we meet. "Sampai" = until. Add "lagi" (again) → "Sampai jumpa lagi" for a warmer farewell

15. Sampai ketemu lagi

    See you again

    Grammar Note

    "ketemu" is the colloquial form of "bertemu" (to meet, formal). Dropping prefixes like "ber-" is common in casual Indonesian. Formal: "Sampai bertemu lagi"

16. Di mana toilet?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Used to ask where the toilet is

    Grammar Note

    "Di mana" is the location question word. "Toilet" is an English loanword widely used. More formal alternatives: "kamar kecil" (small room) or "kamar mandi" (bath room)

17. Saya tidak bisa berbicara bahasa Indonesia

    I can't speak Indonesian

    Usage

    Used to inform someone you cannot speak Indonesian

    Grammar Note

    "Tidak bisa + verb" negates ability ("cannot"). "Berbicara" uses the "ber-" prefix for formal speech. Colloquially just "bicara" is used

18. Saya akan kembali lagi

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop

19. Saya senang sekali tadi

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting ways

20. Makasih, sampai ketemu lagi

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual way to say goodbye

21. Selamat tidur

    Good night

    Usage

    Said specifically before going to sleep, distinct from the general evening greeting "Selamat malam"

22. Saya pergi dulu, ya

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving the guesthouse

23. Saya sudah pulang

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said when returning to the guesthouse

24. Saya permisi dulu

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    Said when leaving before others, e.g. at a meal

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