Basic Words

1. Inggih

   Ing-gih

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic affirmative reply; also works when someone checks something with you

   Grammar Note

   Inggih is the polite (Krama) yes; the familiar (Ngoko) form is Iya

2. Mboten

   Mbo-ten

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; say it gently to stay polite

   Grammar Note

   Mboten is the polite no; the familiar form is Ora

3. Mangga

   Mang-ga

   Please

   Usage

   Add it when asking for something; it also works on its own

   Grammar Note

   A polite "please / go ahead", also used when handing something over

4. Matur nuwun

   Ma-tur nu-wun

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic thank-you when you receive something or get help

5. Nuwun sewu

   Nu-wun se-wu

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Use to get a stranger's attention or to squeeze past someone

   Grammar Note

   The polite opener when approaching a stranger

6. Nyuwun pangapunten

   Nyu-wun pa-nga-pun-ten

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology when you are at fault — bumping into someone, making a mistake

7. Mboten menapa-menapa

   Mbo-ten me-na-pa-me-na-pa

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both to wave off an apology and to decline help or concern

8. Kula mboten mangertos

   Ku-la mbo-ten ma-nger-tos

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say this first when the language is not getting through; people will rephrase

9. Kula mangertos

   Ku-la ma-nger-tos

   I understand

   Usage

   The reply when you have understood; it also signals agreement

10. Sampun rampung

    Sam-pun ram-pung

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you are done with a meal, a payment, or a procedure

11. Mangga ngentosi sekedhap

    Mang-ga ngen-to-si se-ke-dhap

    Please wait

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to hold on

12. Sekedhap

    Se-ke-dhap

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For just a few seconds — while you find your wallet or your bag

13. Diwasa setunggal

    Di-wa-sa se-tung-gal

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance, to state how many people

14. Kula mboten pesen papan

    Ku-la mbo-ten pe-sen pa-pan

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Say this first when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. Kula sampun pesen papan

    Ku-la sam-pun pe-sen pa-pan

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    At the front desk; follow it with your name

16. Nyuwun tulung

    Nyu-wun tu-lung

    Please help me

    Usage

    Call for help in an emergency — it is fine to shout this

17. Nyuwun tulung dibaleni malih

    Nyu-wun tu-lung di-ba-le-ni ma-lih

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what they just said

18. Nyuwun tulung ngendika alon-alon

    Nyu-wun tu-lung ngen-di-ka a-lon-a-lon

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When someone speaks too fast; people almost always slow down

19. Kula saged basa Jawi sekedhik

    Ku-la sa-ged ba-sa Ja-wi se-ke-dhik

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Keeps the conversation going while lowering expectations

20. Panjenengan saged basa Inggris?

    Pan-je-ne-ngan sa-ged ba-sa Ing-gris?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Check for a shared language when you need to discuss something complicated

21. Niki

    Ni-ki

    This (near me)

    Usage

    For pointing at something in your hand; the workhorse word at a food stall

    Grammar Note

    niki / niku / nika are the polite everyday forms; ngoko uses iki / iku / kae

22. Niku

    Ni-ku

    That (near you)

    Usage

    For something near the person you are talking to

23. Nika

    Ni-ka

    That over there

    Usage

    For something away from both of you

24. Mriki

    Mri-ki

    Here

    Usage

    For where you want to be dropped off or to meet

25. Mriku

    Mri-ku

    There (near you)

    Usage

    For a spot near the person you are talking to

26. Mrika

    Mri-ka

    Over there

    Usage

    For a distant spot; you will hear it in replies to directions too

27. Kula

    Ku-la

    I / me

    Usage

    The polite first person to use with strangers

    Grammar Note

    The krama first person; ngoko "aku" is only for people you are close to

28. Panjenengan

    Pan-je-ne-ngan

    You (respectful)

    Usage

    The most respectful second person; always use it with elders and superiors

29. Sesarengan

    Se-sa-re-ngan

    Together

    Usage

    For saying you want to sit or pay together with your companions

    Grammar Note

    Krama; the ngoko form is "bareng"

30. Wong siji

    Wong si-ji

    One person

    Usage

    For saying how many seats, tickets, or portions you need

31. Wong loro

    Wong lo-ro

    Two people

    Usage

    For saying how many seats, tickets, or portions you need

32. Wong telu

    Wong te-lu

    Three people

    Usage

    For saying how many seats, tickets, or portions you need

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