bahasa Inggris
/baˈhasa ˈiŋɡris/word by word
bahasa Inggris is the Indonesian term for the English language.
bahasa Inggris is the name of the English language. You can also use the specific terms Bahasa Inggris Amerika to refer to American English or Bahasa Inggris Britania to refer to British English.
Meaning: the English language (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bahasa (language) and Inggris (English).
Which one should you use?
While bahasa Inggris refers specifically to the English language, the single word Inggris is used as an adjective to mean 'English' when describing things like an English person or English culture. Additionally, keinggrisan can be used to mean 'of or pertaining to England'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The variation Basa Inggris is commonly heard in regions such as Central Java and East Java.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun phrase, bahasa Inggris does not change for plurality or case.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈhasa ˈiŋɡris/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using just Inggris when you mean the language itself. While common in error, bahasa Inggris is the grammatically complete form for the noun.
Did you know?
- The term Inggris arrived in the region via Portuguese sailors through the obsolete form ingrês rather than directly from English.
- In many parts of Indonesia, the term bahasa is so synonymous with 'language' that when people simply say Bahasa, they are often referring specifically to the national language of Indonesia.
Examples in context
- Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?You know English?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows how to speak English.Tatoeba #5198208 by Bilmanda, translation #1117619 by Scott
- Guru bahasa Inggrisku gay.My English teacher is gay.This sentence is useful for describing a teacher of the English language.Tatoeba #13986911 by HAGNi, translation #13971466 by octobaguette
- Dia mengajar bahasa Inggris.He teaches English.This sentence is useful for stating that someone teaches English.Tatoeba #10319739 by HAGNi, translation #294025 by CK
- Saya bisa berbicara bahasa InggrisI can speak English
- Kemampuan saya dalam bahasa Inggris Amerika sangat baikMy proficiency in American English is excellent
- Saya tertarik mempelajari bahasa Inggris BritaniaI am interested in learning British English
- Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?Can you speak English?
- Dia belajar B.Inggris di sekolahHe studies English at school
- 122 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rian and Maya are discussing their study plans at a cafe.
- RianApakah kamu belajar bahasa Inggris?Are you studying English?
- MayaIya, aku sedang belajar bahasa Inggris.Yes, I am studying English.
- RianBagus, bahasa Inggris sangat penting.Good, English is very important.
- MayaBenar, Rian. Aku harus bisa.That's true, Rian. I must be able to.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “english” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bahasa, Inggris) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Inggris, bahasa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
