Sudah Makan, Terserah, and Other Everyday Words Expats Always Misread

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)

 

  • “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”

 

  • “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.

 

  • “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.

 

  • “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.

 

  • “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.”

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Andrzej Barski

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Andrzej is Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia. He was born in the UK to Polish parents and has been living in Indonesia for more than 33-years. He is a skilled writer, trainer and marketer with a deep understanding of Indonesia and its many cultures after spending many years travelling across the archipelago from North Sumatra to Irian Jaya.

His experience covers Marketing, Branding, Advertising, Publishing, Real Estate and Training for 5-Star Hotels and Resorts in Bali and Jakarta, which has given him a passion for the customer experience. He’s a published author and a regular contributor to local and regional publications. His interests include conservation, eco-conscious initiatives, spirituality and motorcycles. Andrzej speaks English and Indonesian.

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Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Terje is from Norway and has been living in Indonesia for over 20-years. He first came to Indonesia as a child and after earning his degree in Business Administration from the University of Agder in Norway, he moved to Indonesia in 1993, where he has worked in leading positions in education and the fitness/ wellness industries all over Indonesia including Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Medan and Bali.

He was Co-owner and CEO of the Paradise Property Group for 10-years and led the company to great success. He is now Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia offering market entry services for foreign investors, legal advice, sourcing of investments and in particular real estate investments. He has a soft spot for eco-friendly and socially sustainable projects and investments, while his personal business strengths are in property law, tourism trends, macroeconomics, Indonesian government and regulations. His personal interests are in sport, adventure, history and spiritual experiences.

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Ridwan is one of Indonesia’s top executives with a long and illustrious career in the financial world. He holds several professional certifications including being a Certified Business Valuer (CBV) issued by the Australian Academy of Finance and Management; Broker-Dealer Representative (WPPE); and The Directorship Certification for Directors and Commissioners, issued by the Indonesian Institute of Commissioners and Directors.

His experience includes being the Managing Director at one of the top investment banking groups in the region, the Recapital Group, the CFO at State-owned enterprises in fishery industry and the CEO at Tanri Abeng & Son Holding. He’s also been an Independent Commissioner in several Financial Service companies and on the Audit and Risk Committee at Bank BTPN Tbk, Berau Coal Energy Tbk, Aetra Air Jakarta as well as working for Citibank, Bank Mandiri and HSBC. His last position was as CFO at PT Citra Putra Mandiri – OSO Group.

Ridwan has won a number of prestigious awards including the Best CFO Awards 2019 (Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia-Indonesia); Asia Pacific Young Business Leader awarded by Asia 21 Network New York USA (Tokyo 2008); UK Alumni Business Awards 2008 awarded by the British Council; and The Most Inspiring Human Resources Practitioners’ version of Human Capital Magazine 2010.

He’s a member of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Law, Trisakti University, Co-Founder of the Paramadina Public Policy Institute and actively writes books, publications and articles in the mass media. He co-authored “Korupsi Mengorupsi Indonesia” in 2009, which helps those with an interest in understanding governance in Indonesia and the critical issue of corruption. Ridwan speaks Indonesian and English.

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Managing Director of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Per is the Managing Director of the Seven Stones Indonesia (SSI) Jakarta office and has more than 25-years’ experience in Indonesia, China, and Western Europe. He previously worked in senior management positions with Q-Free ASA, Siemens AG, and other companies in the telecom sector. Over the last six years, he has been the Chairman of the Indonesia-Norway Business Council (INBC) and recently become elected to be on the board of EuroCham Indonesia.

His most recent experience is within Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), Telecom, and other sectors within the Indonesian market. He is today through his position in SSI and by representing Norway Connect, promoting Nordic and European companies that would like to explore business opportunities in the Indonesian market. He’s also playing an active role to help create the Nordic House concept in Jakarta that will provide an excellent platform for Nordic companies entering Indonesia, where they’ll find a community that can offer support with trusted information and affordable services to enter this market.