Photography

10 phrases · Indonesian with romanization, English and audio

  1. Boleh saya foto di sini?

    May I take a photo here?

    Usage

    Ask permission to take photos at temples, museums, or other restricted areas

    Grammar Note

    "Boleh + verb" is the standard structure for asking permission. "di sini" is a prepositional phrase indicating location

  2. Boleh saya memfoto Anda?

    May I take your photo?

    Usage

    Always ask permission before photographing a person

    Grammar Note

    "memfoto" attaches the active prefix "mem-" to "foto". "Anda" is the polite second-person pronoun

  3. Bisakah Anda memfoto kami?

    Could you take a photo of us?

    Usage

    Ask a stranger to take a group photo at a tourist spot

    Grammar Note

    Indonesian distinguishes "kami" (we, exclusive of the listener) from "kita" (we, inclusive of the listener)

  4. Dilarang memotret di sini.

    Photography is prohibited here.

    Usage

    Staff phrase to inform visitors that photography is not allowed

    Grammar Note

    "Dilarang + verb" is the standard public-notice structure for prohibitions. Common on signs

  5. Cahayanya sempurna untuk foto!

    The light is perfect for photos!

    Usage

    An enthusiastic exclamation about ideal lighting conditions

    Grammar Note

    The suffix "-nya" marks third-person possession or specificness. "cahayanya" = the light (specific)

  6. Bisakah Anda bergeser sedikit ke kiri / kanan?

    Could you move a little to the left / right?

    Usage

    Direct a subject to adjust their position for better composition

    Grammar Note

    "ke kiri/kanan" = to the left/right (directional prepositional phrase). The "ber-" prefix indicates movement or state change

  7. Di mana tempat terbaik untuk memotret gedung ini?

    Where is the best spot to photograph this building?

    Usage

    Ask locals for the best vantage point to photograph a landmark

    Grammar Note

    The prefix "ter-" forms superlatives in Indonesian. "terbaik" = the best (superlative of "baik")

  8. Baterai kamera saya habis — di mana saya bisa mengisi daya?

    My camera battery is dead — where can I charge it?

    Usage

    Ask at a café or hotel for a place to charge your camera

    Grammar Note

    "habis" means used up or finished. "mengisi daya" is the idiomatic phrase for charging (filling with power)

  9. Saya mencari kartu memori.

    I'm looking for a memory card.

    Usage

    Use in electronics stores or camera shops to ask for a memory card

    Grammar Note

    "mencari" = active prefix "me-" + "cari" (to search). Indonesian present progressive is expressed by the verb alone without extra markers

  10. Pemandangan ini luar biasa — saya harus memotretnya!

    This view is amazing — I must take a photo of it!

    Usage

    An enthusiastic exclamation upon encountering a stunning view

    Grammar Note

    "luar biasa" literally means "outside the ordinary" — an idiom for amazing/extraordinary. "-nya" as a suffix refers back to "the view"

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