Learning Indonesian phrases for your Bali trip
Learning Indonesian phrases can help you on your Bali trip. In this post I’ll share the top four phrases that might help you while traveling throughout Indonesia. I’ll also share some funny language misunderstandings I had while traveling in Indonesia, and where Google Translate is wrong.
While you don’t actually need to learn Indonesian, especially in Bali, picking up a few phrases can help you. If you go to Java, this will certainly help.
Learn key phrases in Bali
If you’re going to be in a city for a few days, it’s always appreciated when you take a moment to learn a few key phrases. That’s particularly challenging in a country like Indonesia. There’s so many languages being spoken (Balinese and different dialects of Bahasa Indonesian were most common in Bali). But it’s important.
Learning Indonesian: How to say “Thank you”
Regardless of what city you’re in, you’ll find yourself saying Thank You quite a bit. In Indonesian, that’s “Terima Kasih.”
There’s something disarming about saying Thank You and smiling.
Learn Indonesian: How to say “You’re welcome”
Pair that with a warm smile and they’re likely to response with “Sammah Sammah” – You’re welcome.
Learn Indonesian: How to say Cheers in Bali
At some point in your Bali trip, you might end up with a drink in your hand. When you’re ready to toast, the word is “Bersulang”.
Phonetically, that’s Bur-sue-lang”
How to say Hungry in Bali
For some reason in Bali the word kaliren (hungry) came up a lot. “always kaliren!” But maybe because there was delicious food to try and taste.
Learning Indonesian: when Google Translate gets it wrong!
Note: neither You’re Welcome or Hungry came up accurately under Google Translate, but I was using them every day in Java and people seemed to know exactly what I was saying.
Learning Indonesian is challenging, but a few key phrases can really help!
Bali is a wonderful country! Check out my First Shark Dive in Bali.