If you are traveling abroad, saying "hello" is an important word to learn. Indonesian mainly refers to the language used in Indonesia and Malaysia. If you must say "hello" in any of these countries, it will depend on the time and the level of formality. Entering a new culture can be intimidating, but you can greet people with ease with a little practice.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Say "hello" based on the time of day
Step 1. Start the greeting with “selamat”
It is located before the words to refer to morning, afternoon, among others. Its approximate pronunciation is "sa-la-mat". From this, the greeting will depend on the time of day.
Step 2. Say “selamat pagi” for “good morning”
The word for "tomorrow" is "pagi." Its approximate pronunciation is "pa-gui". To say "good morning" in Indonesian, greet someone with "selamat pagi."
Usually it is considered tomorrow until 11 a.m. m
Step 3. Say "selamat siang" for "good morning."
If you meet someone around noon, say "selamat siang." This sounds like "sa-la-mat si-ang".
- This greeting is used frequently between 11 a.m. m. and 4 p. m.
- It is used mostly in Indonesia. In Malaysia, it is less common. While it is understood, it can take someone by surprise. In this country it is more common for people to say “good morning” (gud mor-nin), “good evening” (gud i-ve-nin) or “good night” (gud na-it) in English.
Step 4. Say "selamat sore" for "good afternoon."
"Selamat sore" is pronounced as "sa-la-mat sor-i".
- Usually used after 4 p.m. m., but before sunset.
- Like "good morning", this phrase is used less frequently in Malaysia. You should use it mainly in Indonesia. In Malaysia, “good evening” is mostly used after 4pm. m.
Step 5. Say "selamat malam" for "good night."
If you see someone after sunset, greet them by saying "selamat malam." This is pronounced as "sa-la-mat ma-lam."
Method 2 of 3: Be courteous
Step 1. Shake people's hands lightly
It is common to shake someone's hand after greeting in some parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. However, this is done with a slight squeeze. After that, it is customary to touch the chest at the level of the heart. This shows respect.
Step 2. Use “selamat” first in formal situations
In these cases, such as when interacting with your bosses or teachers, always start with "selamat". Skipping the start of the greeting can be taken as disrespectful.
Step 3. Ignore the "selamat" when interacting with your friends
If someone is your friend, it is not necessary to use "selamat" always. Instead of saying "selamat pagi", you can just say "pagi". Its equivalent in Spanish would be "days." It is a frequent and informal greeting in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Step 4. Use “selamat” first in formal situations
In these cases, such as when interacting with your bosses or teachers, always start with "selamat". Skipping the start of the greeting can be taken as disrespectful.
Err out of caution by being formal. While an informal greeting is not a very serious misstep, it is best not to risk offending others. This is especially important if you are not familiar with the culture of a country. If you have doubts about how to be friendly with someone, use "selamat" just in case
Method 3 of 3: Have a Short Conversation
Step 1. Say “apa kabar” to ask someone how they are
In both Indonesia and Malaysia, it is polite to ask someone how they are doing after greeting them. To do this, say "apa kabar," which is pronounced like "apa ca-bar." Its approximate translation is "how are you?"
Step 2. Explain where you are from
People may want to know where you come from. The words "dari mana" mean "where are you from?" Before this, you can respond with "saya dari …", which means "I'm from …". Then mention where you come from. For example, you can say "saya dari Canada."
Step 3. Talk about your travel plans
Someone is likely to ask you "mau ke mana", which means "where are you going?" To answer, you can start with "saya mau ke …". Then mention your destination. This means "I want to go to …". For example, you can say "saya mau ke Bali"
Step 4. Say “selamat tinggal” or “selamat jalan” to say goodbye
After finishing a conversation, it is customary to say "goodbye" to the other person. If you go, use "selamat tinggal" (sa-la-mat tin-gal). If the other person withdraws, use "selamat jalan" (sa-la-mat jal-lan).