10 Most Useful Words to Learn in Bahasa Indonesia

Nur Apriani February 10, 2025



 Do you want to travel to Indonesia but cannot speak Indonesian at all? Don't worry, I will give you the 10 most useful words to learn in Indonesia that can help you when traveling in Indonesia.

Let’s explore the 10 most useful words in Bahasa Indonesia and how they can help you in different situations!

1. Halo (Hello)

One of the simplest yet most essential words to learn in any language is "Halo," which means "Hello." It is a universal greeting that can be used in both formal and informal settings. Unlike in English, where greetings can change depending on the time of day (e.g., good morning, good evening), "Halo" can be used anytime!

Example:

  • Halo! Apa kabar? (Hello! How are you?)

2. Terima Kasih (Thank You)

Politeness is key when speaking any language, and saying "Terima kasih" (Thank you) is an essential phrase. Indonesians appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to be polite in their language.

Example:

  • Terima kasih atas bantuannya! (Thank you for your help!)

To make it more formal or heartfelt, you can add "banyak" (meaning "a lot"): Terima kasih banyak! (Thank you very much!)

3. Tolong (Please/Help)

"Tolong" has two meanings: "please" and "help." It depends on the context in which it is used.

Example (Please):

  • Tolong berikan saya air. (Please give me water.)

Example (Help):

  • Tolong! Saya butuh bantuan! (Help! I need help!)

4. Maaf (Sorry/Excuse Me)

Mistakes happen, and knowing how to apologize is crucial. "Maaf" means "Sorry" or "Excuse me" in different contexts.

Example (Apology):

  • Maaf, saya terlambat. (Sorry, I am late.)

Example (Excuse me):

  • Maaf, boleh saya lewat? (Excuse me, may I pass through?)

5. Ya & Tidak (Yes & No)

Understanding how to say "Yes" (Ya) and "No" (Tidak) is fundamental in any conversation.

Example:

  • Apakah kamu suka kopi? (Do you like coffee?)
  • Ya, saya suka. (Yes, I do.)
  • Tidak, saya tidak suka. (No, I don’t.)

6. Dimana (Where?)

If you're traveling in Indonesia, knowing how to ask for directions is essential. "Dimana" means "Where?" and can be used to ask about locations.

Example:

  • Dimana toilet? (Where is the toilet?)
  • Dimana hotel saya? (Where is my hotel?)

7. Berapa (How Much?)

When shopping or dining out, "Berapa?" (How much?) is a very useful word to know.

Example:

  • Berapa harganya? (How much is this?)
  • Berapa ongkos taksi ke bandara? (How much is the taxi fare to the airport?)

8. Saya (I/Me) & Kamu (You)

"Saya" means "I" or "Me", while "Kamu" means "You." These pronouns are essential for forming sentences and holding conversations.

Example:

  • Saya dari Amerika. (I am from America.)
  • Kamu suka musik? (Do you like music?)

9. Bisa (Can/Be Able To)

"Bisa" means "can" or "to be able to." It is useful when asking if something is possible.

Example:

  • Bisa bicara Bahasa Inggris? (Can you speak English?)
  • Saya bisa membantu. (I can help.)

10. Selamat (Good/Happy)

"Selamat" is a versatile word that means "Good" or "Happy." It is used in various greetings.

Example:

  • Selamat pagi! (Good morning!)
  • Selamat ulang tahun! (Happy birthday!)
  • Selamat jalan! (Goodbye!)

Learning Bahasa Indonesia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By mastering these 10 essential words, you’ll have a great foundation for daily conversations. Whether you’re greeting someone, expressing gratitude, asking for directions, or shopping, these words will make your interactions smoother.


What Indonesian word do you want to learn next? Comment below and start practicing today! 🚀

Want to learn Bahasa Indonesia more effectively? Book a lesson with me on Preply and start your language journey now!

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