First 10 Indonesian Survival Words for Absolute Beginners

Hook: You Can Start Speaking Today

There is a myth that you need to study a language for months before you can have a “real” conversation. You need to learn the alphabet, then the grammar rules, then the conjugation tables, and maybe—maybe—after six months, you can say “Hello.”

That is not true for Indonesian.

Indonesian is unique because it was built as a lingua franca in a country with 700+ local languages. At the national level, Bahasa Indonesia was chosen over Javanese (even though Javanese has the largest native-speaker population) because it worked better as a neutral bridge across regions and ethnic groups. That choice also makes life easier for learners: Javanese has layered speech levels (for example ngoko, madya, krama), while Indonesian is flatter, more portable, and far more forgiving for day-one communication.

If this is your first time seeing Indonesian, that is perfect. We are not trying to be complete yet. We are not trying to pass an exam. We are trying to make you functional, calm, and confident.

By the end of this single page—in about 15 minutes of reading—you will know 10 specific interaction words. Not random words like “apple” or “cat,” but high-leverage “power words” that let you navigate real social situations.

You will be able to:

1. Thank people with genuine warmth.
2. Apologize politely (and know when to use “sorry” vs “excuse me”).
3. Ask for help without sounding demanding.
4. Clarify when you don’t understand.
5. Express what you want and what you can do.

You will walk away with a “survival kit” that works from the moment you step off the plane in Jakarta or Bali.

Ready? Let’s build your first mental bridge.

Why These 10 Words?

You might find lists online titled “Top 100 Indonesian Words,” and they usually start with numbers (satu, dua, tiga) or colors (merah, biru).

Those lists are useless for survival.

Knowing how to say “red” or “seven” does not help you when you accidentally bump into someone on the train, or when a shopkeeper asks you a question you don’t understand.

We chose these 10 words based on three specific filters:

1. Frequency: You will hear and use these words effectively every single day. They are the “glue” of daily interaction.
2. Safety: These words are “socially safe.” In Indonesian culture, politeness (sopan santun) is everything. Using these words instantly signals that you are respectful, which makes people want to help you.
3. Utility: They are “interaction openers.” They allow you to start a transaction, end one, or fix a mistake.

This is not a dictionary. This is a toolkit.

The 10 Words (With Real Use)

Let’s go through them one by one. For each word, we’ll look at how to say it, what it really means (sometimes it’s deeper than the English translation), and a real-life scenario where you’d use it.

1. Terima kasih (Thank You)

This is the most important phrase you will ever learn.

Pronunciation: teh-REE-mah KAH-seeh Terima kasih

The Logic: Literally, Terima means “to receive” or “to accept.” Kasih means “love,” “affection,” or “giving.” So when you say “Terima kasih,” you are literally saying: “I receive your love/kindness.”

Isn’t that beautiful? It’s not just a mechanical “thanks.” It acknowledges that someone has given you something of value—their time, their effort, or their help—and you are openly receiving it. Indonesians often notice when foreigners use this phrase—it immediately signals respect.

When to use it:

• When a Gojek driver drops you off.
• When a waiter brings your food.
• When someone opens a door for you.
• When someone answers your question.

2. Sama-sama (You’re Welcome)

If someone gives you “their love” (Terima kasih), you need a way to respond.

Pronunciation: SAH-mah SAH-mah Sama-sama

The Logic: Sama means “same” or “equal.” So Sama-sama literally means “Same-same” or “Equally.” The feeling is: “The feeling is mutual” or “I get as much out of this as you do.” It removes the debt of gratitude. It levels the playing field. It’s a very egalitarian way to say “You’re welcome.”

When to use it:

• Immediately after anyone says “Terima kasih” to you.

3. Maaf (Sorry)

Indonesians apologize a lot. It’s part of the culture of maintaining harmony.

Pronunciation: mah-AHF Maaf

The Logic: Maaf covers a wide range of “sorry.” It is used for genuine apologies (when you made a mistake), but also for social smoothing.

When to use it:

• True Apology: You stepped on someone’s foot. “Aduh, maaf!”
• Social Softener: You are late. “Maaf, saya telat.”
• Rejection: Someone offers you a flyer you don’t want. “Maaf…” (with a polite hand gesture refusing).

Note: In many parts of Indonesia (especially Java), you will hear “Maaf” used even when it’s not really anyone’s fault. It shows humility.

4. Permisi (Excuse Me)

This is the sibling of Maaf, but they have different jobs.

Pronunciation: per-MEE-see Permisi

The Logic: Think of Permisi as “Permission.” You are asking for permission to enter a space, pass through a crowd, or interrupt someone.

When to use it:

• Passing Through: You need to walk through a crowded aisle in the supermarket. “Permisi, Bu…”
• Getting Attention: You want to call a waiter. “Permisi, Mas!”
• Entering a House: You knock on a door. “Permisi!” (It acts like “Hello/Is anyone home?”).
• Leaving Early: You are in a group and need to leave. “Permisi duluan ya.” (Excuse me, I’m leaving first).

5. Tolong (Help / Please)

This word is magic. It turns a command into a polite request.

Pronunciation: TOH-long Tolong

The Logic: Tolong literally means “help.” But structurally, it functions like “Please” when you ask someone to do something.

When to use it:

• The “Please” Function: “Tolong bantu saya” (Please help me).
• Softening Requests: “Tolong ambilkan air” (Please get the water).
• Emergency: “Tolong!” (Help!).

In English, we put “Please” at the end (“Water, please”). In Indonesian, Tolong usually comes before the verb.

6. Apa (What)

The universal question word.

Pronunciation: AH-pah Apa

The Logic: Apa allows you to ask for clarification. It’s short, punchy, and essential when learning.

When to use it:

• Clarification: You didn’t hear someone. “Apa?” (Make sure your tone is soft, rising pitch, or it can sound rude like “What?!”).
• Objects: Pointing at something at a street market. “Ini apa?” (What is this?).
• Confusion: “Maksudnya apa?” (What do you mean?).

7. Bagus (Good / Great)

A positive reaction word is essential for building rapport.

Pronunciation: BAH-goos Bagus

The Logic: Bagus is the general purpose word for “good quality.” From a nice shirt to a good idea to a beautiful view.

When to use it:

• Ideally: When seeing something nice. “Wah, bagus!”
• Encouragement: Someone shows you their work. “Bagus sekali!” (Very good!).
• Agreement: “Ide bagus.” (Good idea).

Wait, what about ‘Enak’? You might hear Enak for “good” too.

• Enak = Delicious (food) or Comfortable (feeling).
• Bagus = Good quality (objects, ideas, sights). Don’t say a movie is “enak” (unless you are eating the DVD). Say it is “bagus.”

8. Mau (Want)

This is your engine of intent. It drives you forward.

Pronunciation: MAH-oo (rhymes with “Cow” + “oo”) Mau

The Logic: Mau expresses desire or future intent. In English we distinguish “I want” (desire) and “I will” (future). Indonesian Mau sits effectively in between. “Saya mau makan” can mean “I want to eat” or “I am going to eat.”

When to use it:

• Ordering Food: “Mau Nasi Goreng satu.” (Want one Nasi Goreng).
• Taxi/Grab: “Mau ke hotel.” (Want [to go] to the hotel).
• Making Plans: “Mau tidur.” (Want to sleep).

9. Tidak (No / Not)

You need to be able to say no.

Pronunciation: TEE-dahk Tidak

The Logic: Tidak is the standard negator for verbs and adjectives. “Tidak mau” (Do not want). “Tidak bagus” (Not good).

The Reality Check (Casual Mode): On the street, Tidak often acts slightly formal. You will hear locals say “Enggak” or “Gak” or “Nggak” constantly.

• Written/Formal: Tidak
• Spoken/Casual: Enggak / Nggak

For today, learn Tidak because it is universally understood and polite. But if you hear Enggak, just know it means the same thing.

10. Bisa (Can / Able)

The word for capability.

Pronunciation: BEE-sah Bisa

The Logic: Bisa means “can” or “to be able to.”

When to use it:

• Checking Ability: “Bisa bahasa Inggris?” (Can [you speak] English?).
• Asking Possibility: “Bisa diskon?” (Can [I get a] discount?).
• Answering: “Bisa!” (I can! / It’s possible!).

Mini Practice: 3 Micro-Scenarios

Let’s put these 10 words to the test. Try to fill in the blanks mentally before checking the answers.

Scenario A: The Polite Shop Interaction

You enter a small shop (warung). You want to buy water.

Scenario B: Clarifying a Mistake

You accidentally bump into someone on the bus.

Scenario C: Asking for Help

You need help lifting a heavy bag.

Bonus: The Silent Language (Gestures)

You now have 10 powerful words. But in Indonesia, communication is not only verbal; body language matters a lot.

To truly look like you belong, you need to pair your new words with the right body language. Here are three “silent words” you should master immediately.

1. The Right Hand Rule

Indonesia is a polite society with specific rules about hands. The Rule: Always use your right hand to give something, receive something, or point at something.

• Giving money: Right hand.
• Shaking hands: Right hand.
• Pointing: Right hand (more on this below).

The left hand is traditionally considered “unclean” (used for bathroom hygiene). In many contexts, using it to hand someone money or food can be seen as impolite. If you must use your left hand (because your right hand is full), you can say “Maaf, tangan kiri” (Sorry, left hand).

2. The Thumb Point

In the West, we point with our index finger. In Indonesia, pointing with the index finger at a person is considered aggressive or rude. The Fix: Point with your thumb, with your fingers folded loosely into your palm. It feels awkward at first, like you are hitchhiking horizontally. But if you ask for directions and point with your thumb, you will instantly minimize the “foreigner” vibe.

3. The “Soft Nod” (Mari)

When you walk past someone in a narrow street or village, you don’t always need to say “Permisi.” Often, a slight bow of the head (a deep nod) and a smile is enough. This silent greeting says: “I see you, I respect your space, and I am just passing through.”

If you combine the Soft Nod + Permisi, you are practically a local.

What You Can Already Do

Stop and look at what you just achieved. In less than 20 minutes, you have acquired the tools to:

1. Open an interaction (Permisi)
2. Show basic manners (Terima kasih, Sama-sama)
3. Repair social damage (Maaf)
4. Make requests (Tolong)
5. Seek information (Apa)
6. Give feedback (Bagus)
7. State your needs (Mau)
8. Set boundaries (Tidak)
9. Check possibilities (Bisa)

That is a massive leap from zero. You are no longer “mute” in Indonesia. You have a voice.

Does this make you fluent? No. Does this make you functional? Yes.

And most importantly, it proves that Indonesian is accessible. You didn’t have to conjugate verbs like “I want,” “She wants,” “We want.” You just used Mau for everyone. You didn’t have to change Bagus because the noun was plural. It just stays Bagus. If you can say Terima kasih, Maaf, and Tolong, you can move through Indonesia with kindness—and kindness is the real currency here.

The language is on your side.

Rail Context: From “Words” to “Conversation”

You are currently on Unit 0.1. You have the bricks, but you don’t fully know how to stick them together yet.

The next unit attacks the most confusing part of Indonesian for beginners: How to say Yes and No.

In English, it’s simple. Yes or No. In Indonesian, if you say “No” when you should say “Not Yet,” you might accidentally tell someone you will never get married, or never eat dinner.

It’s a small cultural shift that makes you sound 10x more natural.