Yogyakarta

Common Phrases in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

1. Greetings

• Selamat pagi (Good morning)
• Selamat siang (Good afternoon)
• Selamat sore (Good evening)
• Selamat malam (Good night)
• Apa kabar? (How are you?)
• Baik, terima kasih. (I’m fine, thank you.)
• Sampai jumpa! (See you!)

Pronunciation Tips:

• "Selamat" is pronounced as "suh-lah-maht."
• "Apa kabar" is pronounced as "ah-pah kah-bar."

2. Directions

• Di mana...? (Where is...?)
• Ke mana...? (To where...?)
• Belok kiri (Turn left)
• Belok kanan (Turn right)
• Lurus (Straight)
• Dekat (Near)
• Jauh (Far)

Cultural Context:

• Locals may provide directions using landmarks rather than street names.

3. Shopping

• Berapa harganya? (How much is this?)
• Tawar (Bargain)
• Saya mau beli ini. (I want to buy this.)
• Bisa kurang? (Can you lower the price?)
• Terima kasih. (Thank you.)

Nuances:

• Bargaining is common in markets; start lower than the asking price.

4. Dining

• Saya vegetarian. (I am vegetarian.)
• Apa rekomendasi Anda? (What do you recommend?)
• Makanan ini enak! (This food is delicious!)
• Tagihan, tolong. (The bill, please.)

Cultural Etiquette:

• It’s polite to say "Selamat makan" (Enjoy your meal) before eating.

5. Cultural Etiquette

• Sopan santun (Politeness) is highly valued. Use "Bapak" (Mr.) or "Ibu" (Mrs.) when addressing elders.
• Salam hormat (Respectful greeting) involves a slight bow or nod.
• Remove shoes when entering homes or certain temples.

Learning Resources

• Language Classes: Look for local language schools or community centers offering Bahasa Indonesia classes. Prices vary, typically around IDR 200,000 - 500,000 per session.
• Phrasebooks: Consider purchasing a phrasebook or downloading language apps like Duolingo or Memrise for structured learning.
• Online Resources: Websites like YouTube have free tutorials on basic Indonesian phrases.

Additional Tips

• Practice with Locals: Engage with locals to practice speaking; they appreciate the effort.
• Use Simple English: Many younger Indonesians speak basic English, especially in tourist areas.
• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs, especially in religious sites; dress modestly and follow guidelines.

Conclusion

Familiarizing yourself with these phrases and cultural nuances will enhance your experience in Yogyakarta. Engaging with locals using their language fosters goodwill and enriches your visit.