Phrases aside, Bahasa Indonesia has a reputation for being one of the easiest languages to learn in Southeast Asia, and to be fair, it really is. No verb conjugations, no confusing sentence structures, and pronunciation that won’t twist your tongue into a knot.
But then you start actually talking to people.
That’s when things get interesting. Some of the most common Indonesian phrases don’t always mean what they seem to. They don’t mislead on purpose, just soaked in culture, subtlety, and a whole lot of social grace. If you’re an expat in Indonesia, understanding the hidden meaning behind these everyday phrases can save you from confusion, social missteps, and the occasional awkward dinner conversation.
Here are five phrases that you think you understand, but probably don’t (yet)
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“Sudah makan?”
Translation-wise, it’s a simple question. But in practice, this phrase functions more like a cultural hug. You’ll hear it from colleagues, neighbors, taxi drivers, or your landlady at 9 a.m. It’s not necessarily about food, it’s about you. It’s an expression of care.
No one expects you to reply with your entire dietary history, just say “sudah” (already) or “belum” (not yet). Warning: if you say “belum” to someone kind and generous, a plate of mie goreng may magically appear in front of you.
Expat Translation:
“Sudah makan?” = “Are you okay?”
“Belum.” = “Danger: unsolicited hospitality may be activated”
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“Nanti”
Ah yes, the most flexible word in the Indonesian language. On the surface, nanti means “later”. But later could be… now. Or in a few hours. Or next week. Or, occasionally, never.
For example, if you ask someone, “Apakah bisa dikirim hari ini?” (“Can it be delivered today?”), and they say “Nanti ya”, don’t cancel your dinner plans just yet. You may be in for a wait of indeterminate length.
Why so vague?? Because direct refusals can be seen as impolite. Nanti is a beautifully soft way of saying “Not now” without the emotional weight of saying “no.”
Expat Survival Tip:
If you hear “nanti”, treat it as a maybe. If you hear “nanti, nanti, nanti”, it’s a very polite way of saying goodbye.
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“Lumayan”
This word is a masterpiece of ambiguity. Depending on the tone, facial expression, and weather conditions, lumayan can mean:
- “I’m doing okay.”
- “I’m barely hanging on.”
- “This is surprisingly decent.”
- “I don’t want to complain, but I could.”
It’s a default answer to many questions when Indonesians want to be polite without oversharing or exaggerating. Ask someone how their day was, how their food is, how their new job is going, you’ll likely get a “lumayan.”
Expat Translation Guide:
Big smile + “Lumayan!” = Good!
Long sigh + “Lumayan…” = Please send coffee.
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“Bule”
If you’re living in Indonesia and you look non-Indonesian, you’ve heard this word. A lot.
Bule simply means “foreigner,” typically used to refer to Westerners. It’s not usually offensive, but it can feel uncomfortable, like being called out for being different (which, let’s be honest, you probably are). You’ll hear it from kids pointing you out in the supermarket, or a street vendor calling for your attention.
Sometimes it’s said with curiosity, sometimes with affection, occasionally with judgment. But it’s rarely meant to be hostile.
Pro Tip:
Smile. Wave. Don’t take it personally. Remember: someone may be meeting a bule for the first time, and that bule is you.
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“Terserah”
This is the most deceptively dangerous word in Bahasa Indonesia. Terserah is the polite equivalent of a ticking time bomb. It’s often used in group settings when trying to make decisions like where to eat, what movie to watch, which route to take.
On the surface, it sounds cooperative. But depending on the tone, it can actually mean:
- “I don’t want to decide, but I’ll judge your choice.”
- “You should know what I want, even if I’m not telling you.”
- “I’m not mad. I’m just terserah.”
If someone says “terserah” with a shrug and a smile, you’re in the clear. If they hit you with silence and a side-eye, consider that your official warning to retreat, with dignity, if possible.
Learning Bahasa Indonesia is more than just memorizing vocabulary, it’s learning how Indonesians communicate care, navigate politeness, and maintain harmony. These five phrases are great examples of how language, culture, and context all work together here.
So the next time someone asks you “Sudah makan?”, smiles while saying “nanti”, or hits you with a well-timed “terserah,” don’t panic. You’re just finding your way by learning the unspoken rules. And if in doubt? Smile, nod, and say “lumayan.”
