3 Most Important Words to Sound Polite in Indonesia

3 Most Important Words to Sound Polite in Indonesia

If you’d like to be successful in your social life, there are things that you need to know, especially in the culture that you don’t know.

1.       Permisi (excuse me)

This is the first and the easiest word you need to know. I think you would use this word in the same situations like how you use this word in your country.

For example:

-      When you are dining and need to leave your table

-      Before you enter someone’s house or room, you knock the door and say permisi.

In a village, it’s common to see older people sitting or standing still in front of their house, chatting with each other. If you’re walking in the in front of them, it’s also polite to say permisi.

2.       Maaf (I’m sorry)

Every now and then, as a human, we make mistakes. Either big or small you mistake is, it’s always good to own the mistake and say sorry about it.

Maybe you just bumped on someone, or stepped on someone’s shoes, or maybe you really made a big disaster, let’s not forget to say sorry.

In Bahasa, you could say:

-      Maaf = sorry

-      Saya minta maaf. = I’m sorry.

-      Saya betul-betul minta maaf. = I’m really sorry.

-      Tolong maafkan saya. = Please forgive me.

3.       Terimakasih (Thank you)

When you learn a new language, knowing how to say thank you is essential.

You’d like to let people know that you’re grateful for what people have done or given to you.

Actually this is my favorite word in Bahasa Indonesia.

Look at the literal meaning:

Terima means receive.

Kasih means love.

So, terimakasih literally means I receive your love. So sweet…

The second meaning.

Terima means receive.

Kasih also means give.

So terimakasih means, I receive your love, and I give it back to you and pass it to the others as well.

How beautiful is that word?

Now you know the most important words in Indonesia to be socially acceptable. I’m 100% sure by saying these words when you’re in Indonesia, you will have more friends who like you.

What is your favorite word in your language?

I would be more than happy to read your comments.

Terimakasih sudah belajar Bahasa Indonesia bersama saya, Mama Bahasa.

Love,

Mama Bahasa