Gaining knowledge of basic greetings in a foreign language is not only helpful but also plays a significant role in establishing connections with native speakers. Indonesian, the official language of Indonesia, is a melodious and welcoming language. In this guide, we will explore the pronunciation of saying hello in Indonesian, covering both formal and informal ways. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
Formal greetings are typically used in professional or formal settings, when addressing someone of higher authority, or when meeting someone for the first time.
“Selamat pagi” (Good morning)
The phrase “Selamat pagi” is used to greet someone in the morning until around 10 AM. The pronunciation is as follows:
Se-la-mat pa-gee
Each syllable is pronounced separately, gradually and evenly.
“Selamat siang” (Good afternoon)
When it’s past 10 AM until around 3 PM, you can use the phrase “Selamat siang” to greet someone. Here is the pronunciation:
Se-la-mat see-ahng
Note that the last syllable is pronounced with a nasal sound, similar to the “ng” in “sing”.
“Selamat sore” (Good evening)
Starting from late afternoon until around sunset, you can use “Selamat sore” to greet someone. Here is the pronunciation:
Se-la-mat soreh
Just like “Selamat siang,” the last syllable should have a nasal sound.
“Selamat malam” (Good evening/night)
When it’s dark outside or when saying hello during the evening or night, use the phrase “Selamat malam.” The pronunciation is as follows:
Se-la-mat ma-lahm
Ensure to pronounce the last syllable with an “ah” sound, similar to the “a” in “car”.
Informal Greetings
Informal greetings are commonly used among friends, peers, acquaintances, and during casual situations.
“Halo” (Hello)
Halo is an informal greeting that is quite common among Indonesians. It is versatile and can be used at any time of the day. The pronunciation is straight forward, just like the English word “Halo” without any special adjustments.
“Hai” (Hi)
The word “Hai” is a casual and friendly way to say hello to someone. It is pronounced as it is, similar to the English word “Hi”.
“Apa kabar?” (How are you?)
Another common informal way to greet someone is by asking “Apa kabar?” which translates to “How are you?”. Here is the pronunciation:
A-pah kabar
Make sure to pronounce “kabar” as “ka-bar”, without the “r” sound at the end.
Tips and Examples
Pronunciation Tips:
- Indonesian is a syllable-timed language, so pronounce each syllable evenly.
- Pay attention to nasal sounds, like “ng” in “siang” and “sore”.
- Avoid stressing on certain syllables; keep the pronunciation smooth and soft.
Examples:
- Selamat pagi – Good morning
- Pronunciation: Se-la-mat pa-gee
- Halo – Hello
- Pronunciation: Ha-lo
- Apa kabar? – How are you?
- Pronunciation: A-pah ka-bar
Remember, practice is key when it comes to pronunciation. Do not be afraid to make mistakes and engage with native speakers to improve your skills. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a solid foundation for saying hello in Indonesian, both formally and informally. Selamat belajar! (Happy learning!)
