Useful Phrases & Balinese Extras
Everyday Phrases:
- Tidak apa-apa (TI-dak A-pa A-pa) — No problem / It's okay
- Saya tidak mengerti — I don't understand
- Saya dari Jerman — I am from Germany
- Saya dari Austria — I am from Austria
- Saya dari Swiss — I am from Switzerland
- Nama saya ... — My name is ...
- Senang berkenalan — Nice to meet you
- Cantik sekali! (TSCHAN-tik sö-KA-li) — Very beautiful!
- Luar biasa! (LU-ar bi-A-sa) — Extraordinary/Amazing!
Balinese Extras:
In Bali, you will also hear Balinese expressions that are good to know:
- Om Swastiastu (om swas-ti-AS-tu) — Balinese Hindu greeting (literally: “God bless you"). Used at formal occasions and in temples. Spoken with folded hands in front of the chest.
- Suksma (SUKS-ma) — Thank you (Balinese). Warmer and more personal than “terima kasih" and highly appreciated by Balinese people.
- Rahajeng semeng — Good morning (Balinese)
- Banjar — The Balinese village community/community hall — the social heart of the village
- Subak — The rice farmers' irrigation cooperative
- Pecalang — The traditional village police in black-and-white clothing
- Ogoh-Ogoh — The giant monster sculptures before Nyepi
- Mepeed — A ceremonial procession
💡 Tipp
If you greet a Balinese person with “Om Swastiastu" or “Suksma," you are guaranteed to receive a beaming smile. These Balinese expressions show genuine respect for the local culture — more than any amount of fluent English.