Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| saya | /ˈsaja/ (Standard Indonesian) | formal |
| aku | /ˈaku/ (Standard Indonesian) | familiar |
| daku | /daku/ | archaic |
Which one should you use?
The term saya is the standard polite form, while aku is a familiar version used for closer relationships. Daku serves as a poetic variation of aku and is most often found in song lyrics and literature. While aku is common in casual settings, it is not a slang term, but gue is a common slang alternative used in certain contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use saya in formal settings, such as when speaking to superiors, elders or strangers in a professional context. Use aku with friends, family or people of the same age in casual settings. For highly informal or youth-oriented slang, gue is frequently used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang term gue is very common in the Jakarta dialect and much of Indonesian youth slang.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsaja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using aku in formal situations, as this can sound overly intimate or even disrespectful to elders. Instead, use saya.
Did you know?
- In many social situations in Indonesia, people often avoid using 'I' entirely, opting instead to refer to themselves by their own name or a kinship term like 'kakak' (older sibling).
- Although saya and 'I' look different, the word saya actually traces its roots back to the Sanskrit word sahāya, which means 'companion' or 'friend'.
- Using the word daku in a normal conversation would sound jarringly theatrical, as it is strictly reserved for poetry and songs.
Examples in context
- Aku ada di London.I am in London.This sentence uses aku to state a location.Tatoeba #4325172 by Bilmanda, translation #321815 by CN
- Aku juga suka kue.I also like cake.This sentence uses aku to express a preference for a food item.Tatoeba #4325177 by Bilmanda, translation #321982 by CK
- Aku suka toko ini.I like this store.This sentence uses aku to express liking a specific place.Tatoeba #7248477 by purichan, translation #5791132 by CK
- Saya pergi ke pasar.I am going to the market.
- Saya sangat senang bertemu dengan Anda.I am very pleased to meet you.
- Saya ingin menyampaikan terima kasih atas bantuannya.I would like to express my gratitude for your help.
- Aku suka makanan pedas.I like spicy food.
- Aku ingin menonton film horor malam ini.I want to watch a horror movie tonight.
- 4550 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Putri and Rian are meeting for the first time at a formal seminar.
- PutriHalo, nama saya Putri.Hello, my name is Putri.
- RianSalam kenal, saya Rian.Nice to meet you, I am Rian.
- PutriApakah Anda sudah lama di sini?Have you been here long?
- RianBelum, saya baru saja sampai.No, I just arrived.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I” translations and entries saya, aku, daku, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aku, daku, saya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
