Halo
'Hello' in Indonesian
Photo by Harry Kessell
Language
Indonesian
Indonesian, or Bahasa Indonesia, is an Austronesian language spoken by over 270 million people, primarily in Indonesia, and also in East Timor and parts of Malaysia. A standardized form of Malay, it uses the Latin alphabet and is known for its phonetic simplicity and lack of tones. Indonesian grammar is straightforward, with no grammatical gender, minimal verb conjugation, and a flexible word order (typically subject-verb-object). Reduplication is common for plurals and emphasis. Its vocabulary draws from Malay, with loanwords from Arabic, Dutch, Portuguese, and English due to trade and colonial history. As Indonesia’s official language and a unifying lingua franca across its diverse archipelago, Indonesian is vital to national identity, education, and media.
Flashcards
sejarah
history
The study of past events, especially in human affairs.
hidup
live
To be alive.
mengejar
follow
To go after or pursue.
pergi
go
To move or travel from one place to another.
Stories
After the Rain: Helping Next Door
On a cool morning after rain, the narrator helps his neighbor, Pak Ari, clear a clogged drain while he holds his baby...
Elementary
12 sentences
A Surprise Birthday at Home
Rina’s family and friends prepare a simple surprise at home. They shout happy birthday, blow candles, share cake, sin...
Beginner
12 sentences
Planning a Train Trip to Yogyakarta
Two friends plan a budget train trip to Yogyakarta. They book tickets, call a homestay, check the weather, make a lis...
Beginner
14 sentences
Under the Janur Arch
At a rain-washed community hall, a narrator attends their cousin Raras's Javanese wedding, navigating relatives' ques...
Advanced
11 sentences
Agents
Indonesian
Siti
Teaching Bahasa Indonesia online
Female
29
Jakarta, Indonesia
Language teacher
Welcoming
weaving, dancing, traveling
Indonesian
Agus
Studying Indonesian culture
Male
21
Jakarta, Indonesia
Student
Energetic
surfing, reading, cooking
Indonesian
Budi
Casting nets in Java Sea
Male
33
Jakarta, Indonesia
Fisherman
Grounded
surfing, cooking, music
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