Medan

Common Phrases in Medan, Indonesia

1. Greetings

• Selamat pagi (Good morning)

  • Usage: Used until around noon.
  • Pronunciation: suh-lah-maht pah-gee

• Selamat siang (Good afternoon)

  • Usage: Used from noon until late afternoon.
  • Pronunciation: suh-lah-maht see-ahng

• Selamat sore (Good evening)

  • Usage: Used in the late afternoon to early evening.
  • Pronunciation: suh-lah-maht soh-reh

• Apa kabar? (How are you?)

  • Usage: Commonly used to inquire about someone's well-being.
  • Pronunciation: ah-pah kah-bar

• Baik-baik saja (I’m fine)

  • Usage: Response to "Apa kabar?"
  • Pronunciation: bye-ik bye-ik sah-jah

2. Transportation

• Di mana...? (Where is...?)

  • Usage: Useful for asking directions.
  • Example: Di mana stasiun? (Where is the station?)
  • Pronunciation: dee mah-nah

• Tolong panggil taksi (Please call a taxi)

  • Usage: Requesting assistance with transportation.
  • Pronunciation: toh-long pahng-geel tahk-see

• Berapa ongkosnya? (How much is the fare?)

  • Usage: Asking for the price of a ride.
  • Pronunciation: beh-rah-pah ohng-kohs-nyah

3. Food

• Saya mau pesan... (I would like to order...)

  • Usage: Used when ordering food.
  • Example: Saya mau pesan nasi goreng. (I would like to order fried rice.)
  • Pronunciation: sah-yah mau peh-sahn

• Enak sekali! (Very delicious!)

  • Usage: Complimenting food.
  • Pronunciation: eh-nahk seh-kah-lee

• Ada menu vegetarian? (Is there a vegetarian menu?)

  • Usage: Useful for dietary preferences.
  • Pronunciation: ah-dah meh-noo veh-geh-tah-ree-ahn

4. Shopping

• Berapa harganya? (How much does it cost?)

  • Usage: Asking for the price of an item.
  • Pronunciation: beh-rah-pah har-gah-nyah

• Bisa kurang? (Can you lower the price?)

  • Usage: Negotiating prices, common in markets.
  • Pronunciation: bee-sah koo-rahng

• Saya hanya melihat (I’m just looking)

  • Usage: Indicating you are browsing.
  • Pronunciation: sah-yah han-yah meh-lih-haht

Cultural Context

• Language: The primary language spoken in Medan is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), but many locals also speak Batak languages and English, especially in tourist areas.
• Politeness: Using polite language and greetings is important. Always greet people before asking questions.
• Bargaining: In markets, haggling is expected. Start with a lower offer and negotiate from there.

Tips for Effective Communication

• Body Language: Non-verbal cues are important. A smile can go a long way in establishing rapport.
• Speak Slowly: If you are not fluent, speaking slowly and clearly can help locals understand you better.
• Practice Pronunciation: Listening to locals and mimicking their pronunciation can improve your communication skills.

This guide provides essential phrases and cultural insights to help you navigate daily interactions in Medan effectively.