Sumba Language & Phrase Guide
Most people in Sumba speak Indonesian, and many also speak local Sumbanese languages. Learning a few simple phrases helps you connect quickly, travel more smoothly, and show respect in villages, family-run warungs, and local markets. Tap the volume icon in each pronunciation line to hear the spoken phrase. Salamat jalan (safe travels)!
Pronunciation Tip
Indonesian is phonetically consistent, so once you know a few sound patterns, speaking becomes much easier.
Read it as written
Most Indonesian words are pronounced exactly how they are spelled, with clear vowels and steady rhythm.
Stress pattern
Stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable, so say phrases calmly and evenly.
Tone over perfection
Even simple phrases spoken politely are appreciated. Smile, slow down, and locals will usually help.
Greetings & Basics
Core phrases you will use every day.
Halo
Hello
Pronunciation: hah-loh
Selamat pagi
Good morning
Pronunciation: seh-lah-maht pah-gee
Selamat siang
Good afternoon
Pronunciation: seh-lah-maht see-ahng
Selamat malam
Good evening
Pronunciation: seh-lah-maht mah-lahm
Selamat tinggal
Goodbye
Pronunciation: seh-lah-maht ting-gahl
Apa kabar?
How are you?
Pronunciation: ah-pah kah-bar
Baik-baik saja
I’m fine
Pronunciation: bye-k bye-k sah-jah
Tolong / Silakan
Please
Pronunciation: toh-long / see-lah-kahn
Terima kasih
Thank you
Pronunciation: teh-ree-mah kah-see
Sama-sama
You’re welcome
Pronunciation: sah-mah sah-mah
Permisi / Maaf
Excuse me / Sorry
Pronunciation: per-mee-see / mah-ahf
Ya / Tidak
Yes / No
Pronunciation: yah / tee-dahk
Salamat jalan
Goodbye (to someone leaving)
Pronunciation: sah-lah-maht jah-lahn
Directions & Transport
Useful movement and navigation phrases.
Di mana…?
Where is…?
Pronunciation: dee mah-nah
Bagaimana ke…?
How do I get to…?
Pronunciation: bah-guy-mah-nah keh
Kiri / Kanan
Left / Right
Pronunciation: kee-ree / kah-nahn
Lurus
Straight ahead
Pronunciation: loo-roos
Berhenti di sini
Stop here
Pronunciation: ber-hen-tee dee see-nee
Berapa jauh?
How far is it?
Pronunciation: beh-rah-pah jow
Pantai / Desa / Bandara
Beach / Village / Airport
Pronunciation: pahn-tie / deh-sah / bahn-dah-rah
Food & Dining
Order confidently in warungs and restaurants.
Saya mau pesan
I would like to order
Pronunciation: sah-yah mow peh-sahn
Air / Nasi / Ayam / Ikan
Water / Rice / Chicken / Fish
Pronunciation: ah-eer / nah-see / ah-yahm / ee-kahn
Enak! / Pedas
Delicious! / Spicy
Pronunciation: eh-nahk / peh-dahs
Tidak pedas
Not spicy please
Pronunciation: tee-dahk peh-dahs
Minta bon
The bill please
Pronunciation: min-tah bon
Kopi
Coffee
Pronunciation: koh-pee
Shopping & Money
Simple bargaining and buying phrases.
Berapa harganya?
How much is this?
Pronunciation: beh-rah-pah har-gah-nyah
Terlalu mahal
Too expensive
Pronunciation: ter-lah-loo mah-hahl
Bisa kurang?
Can you lower the price?
Pronunciation: bee-sah koo-rahng
Saya mau beli
I want to buy
Pronunciation: sah-yah mow beh-lee
Uang / Murah
Money / Cheap
Pronunciation: oo-ahng / moo-rah
Emergency & Help
Critical phrases to ask for support.
Tolong!
Help!
Pronunciation: toh-long
Saya perlu dokter
I need a doctor
Pronunciation: sah-yah per-loo dok-ter
Rumah sakit / Polisi
Hospital / Police
Pronunciation: roo-mah sah-kit / poh-lee-see
Saya tersesat
I am lost
Pronunciation: sah-yah ter-seh-saht
Saya tidak mengerti
I don’t understand
Pronunciation: sah-yah tee-dahk meng-er-tee
Bisa bahasa Inggris?
Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: bee-sah bah-hah-sah ing-grees
Making Friends & Numbers
Friendly ice-breakers and quick numbers.
Nama saya…
My name is…
Pronunciation: nah-mah sah-yah
Siapa nama Anda?
What is your name?
Pronunciation: see-ah-pah nah-mah ahn-dah
Senang bertemu Anda
Nice to meet you
Pronunciation: seh-nahng ber-teh-moo ahn-dah
Dari mana? / Saya dari…
Where are you from? / I am from…
Pronunciation: dah-ree mah-nah / sah-yah dah-ree
Indah! / Ayo foto
Beautiful! / Let’s take a photo
Pronunciation: in-dah / ah-yoh foh-toh
Satu, Dua, Tiga
One, Two, Three
Pronunciation: sah-too, doo-ah, tee-gah
Empat, Lima, Sepuluh
Four, Five, Ten
Pronunciation: em-paht, lee-mah, seh-poo-loo
Seratus, Seribu
Hundred, Thousand
Pronunciation: seh-rah-toos, seh-ree-boo
Safe travels in Sumba
Selamat jalan! Use this phrase when saying goodbye and wishing someone a safe journey.