overview
If you plan a trip to Bali, learning some basic phrases in the local languages is worth considering. While English is widely spoken, knowing some Indonesian or Balinese can significantly enhance your experience and interactions with locals. Being able to greet someone in their native language, order food or ask for directions can go a long way in making connections and showing respect for local culture. Additionally, learning a new language can be a fun and rewarding experience, giving you the confidence to explore and connect with people from different backgrounds. Why not take the opportunity to expand your vocabulary and deepen your cultural understanding of Bali?
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
Pronunciation
Pronunciation in Bahasa Indonesia is quite different from English, with some sounds that may be challenging for English speakers. For example:
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"C" is pronounced as "ch," as in "cheese" or "church," so Canggu is pronounced as "Changu"not as "Kengoo"
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"G" is pronounced as in "get"
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"J" is pronounced as in "judge"
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"F" is often pronounced as "p," as in "park," so you can hear "seapood" or "telepon"
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"V" is pronounced as "f," as in "fair" - letter "v" is not very common, but you will hear it for some brand names or loanwords
Bahasa Indonesia has no silent letters; only some are muted. For example, "h" or "k" on the end of the word is usually ended by breathing out - "sampah" means "garbage," or "bapak" means "father."
When learning vocabulary, paying attention to word stress is essential. In Bahasa Indonesia, stress is usually placed on the second syllable, except for some loanwords from other languages.
You can check this text here for a more comprehensive pronunciation explanation.
Bahasa Bali has different dialects and language variations depending on the region and caste. However, most Balinese people also speak Bahasa Indonesia, so knowing some basic phrases in either language can be helpful. We will prepare a separate Guide for Bahasa Bali in the future. Meanwhile, you can check some basic phrases and vocabulary in the table below.
Vocabulary
In the table below, you can find basic words and phrases. We believe you will find them helpful when visiting Bali. For example, you can study them when traveling by plane.
If you need help studying these words, contact us via the Member Chat.
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