Indonesian Glossary
Below is a selection of Indonesian words, and their translation, that you may find useful in your travels:
General:
Angkot Small minibuses that have set routes. They usually cover fairly local distances only
Bahasa Bahasa Indonesian is the country's national language. However, many different forms dialects are spoken across the archipelago.
Batik Decorative cloth made using wax and dye. Areas with wax on do not get coloured leaving attractive designs.
Becak A bicycle-rickshaw - another form of local transport. Pronounced betjak.
Bemo Used to describe small minibuses, similar to angkots. Originally used to describe motorised becaks.
Bisnis Business. Usually encountered on train and bus tickets.
Ekonomi Economy class
Eksekutif Executive class. This is a step up from business and is pretty luxurious.
Gamelan Traditional balinese music orchestra comprised mainly of percussion instruments such as xylophones, cymbals and gongs.
Gang Alleyway or a small road of a larger road
Gili Islet
Gunung Mountain e.g. Gunung Bromo
Homestay Budget accommodation. Normally small, family run affairs. Jalan Street or road. It is often shortened to JL or Jln.
Kamar kecil Toilet or 'small room'.
Kraton Walled city palace. Yogakarta exhibits an excellent example.
Kretek Indonesian sweet-smelling cigarettes which are made from cloves.
Losmen Cheap, basic accommodation. Very similar to homestays.
Mandi Indonesian 'scoop and slosh' method of washing. Comprised of a tank of water and a bucket to ladel the water over yourself.
Masjid/mesjid Mosque. The first call to prayer is at 4am. Try not to get accommodation too near to one of these!
Sasak Native people of Lombok. Sasak also describes the dialect of Indonesian they speak.
Taksi Taxi. Make sure you ask for fares to be on the argo (meter).
Taman Term for a nature reserve or ornamental park.
Warpostel Handles both postal and private telephone services
Wartel Private telephone office
Warung Basic food stall. It is very cheap to eat at these.
General:
Angkot Small minibuses that have set routes. They usually cover fairly local distances only
Bahasa Bahasa Indonesian is the country's national language. However, many different forms dialects are spoken across the archipelago.
Batik Decorative cloth made using wax and dye. Areas with wax on do not get coloured leaving attractive designs.
Becak A bicycle-rickshaw - another form of local transport. Pronounced betjak.
Bemo Used to describe small minibuses, similar to angkots. Originally used to describe motorised becaks.
Bisnis Business. Usually encountered on train and bus tickets.
Ekonomi Economy class
Eksekutif Executive class. This is a step up from business and is pretty luxurious.
Gamelan Traditional balinese music orchestra comprised mainly of percussion instruments such as xylophones, cymbals and gongs.
Gang Alleyway or a small road of a larger road
Gili Islet
Gunung Mountain e.g. Gunung Bromo
Homestay Budget accommodation. Normally small, family run affairs. Jalan Street or road. It is often shortened to JL or Jln.
Kamar kecil Toilet or 'small room'.
Kraton Walled city palace. Yogakarta exhibits an excellent example.
Kretek Indonesian sweet-smelling cigarettes which are made from cloves.
Losmen Cheap, basic accommodation. Very similar to homestays.
Mandi Indonesian 'scoop and slosh' method of washing. Comprised of a tank of water and a bucket to ladel the water over yourself.
Masjid/mesjid Mosque. The first call to prayer is at 4am. Try not to get accommodation too near to one of these!
Sasak Native people of Lombok. Sasak also describes the dialect of Indonesian they speak.
Taksi Taxi. Make sure you ask for fares to be on the argo (meter).
Taman Term for a nature reserve or ornamental park.
Warpostel Handles both postal and private telephone services
Wartel Private telephone office
Warung Basic food stall. It is very cheap to eat at these.
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