165 Basic Indonesian Words! A Vocabulary Book with Audio to Learn Pronunciation
Dec. 15, 2025


Do you have any of these concerns when learning Indonesian ?
Even if you have memorized the spelling and meaning of Indonesian words, it may not be possible to communicate them in everyday conversation.
In such cases, we recommend practicing the correct pronunciation of words!
This article introduces 165 basic Indonesian words with audio .
We have compiled a list of commonly used words in Indonesian, from greetings to everyday conversations.
What's more, you can listen to native pronunciation audio generated by the AI reading service "Ondoku."
The vocabulary book also includes the katakana readings, so please use this as a reference for remembering the pronunciation!
When learning Indonesian words, it is very important to not only see them but also listen to them and check the pronunciation.
Why not try using this vocabulary book to learn Indonesian words with audio?
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165 Basic Indonesian Vocabulary Books [With Audio & Katakana, by Genre]

From here on, we will introduce a list of basic words as an Indonesian vocabulary book.
The words are organized by genre, so please use them to learn Indonesian vocabulary.
The vocabulary list includes Indonesian spelling, Japanese meaning, Katakana reading, and an audio player.
By listening to the audio and learning the words, you can also learn the correct pronunciation.
List of basic Indonesian words for greetings and daily conversations
Among the Indonesian words, the first ones you should learn are greetings and expressions used in everyday conversation.
These are words that you will likely use first, whether traveling or in business.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halo | Hello | Halo | |
| Selamat pagi | good morning | Surama Pagi | |
| Selamat siang | Hello (Daytime) | Slamacian | |
| Selamat malam | Good evening | Surama Malam | |
| Terima kasih | thank you | Turima Casi | |
| Sama-sama | you're welcome. | Summer Summer | |
| Maaf | sorry | Ma'afu | |
| Permisi | sorry | Pulmishi | |
| Ya | yes | Ya | |
| Tidak | no | Tidak | |
| Tolong | please | Tron | |
| Selamat tinggal | Goodbye | Suramat Tinggal | |
| Sampai jumpa | see you | Sanpai Junpa | |
| Apa kabar? | How are you? | Apa Cabal | |
| Baik | I'm fine | Bye |
List of basic Indonesian questions and interrogative words
We have compiled a vocabulary list of questions that are always used in conversation.
If you memorize the words introduced here, you'll be able to ask questions in Indonesian!
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siapa | who | Siapa | |
| Apa | what | Apa | |
| Kapan | when | Kapan | |
| Di mana | where | Di Mana | |
| Mengapa | why | Mungapa | |
| Kenapa | Why (colloquial) | Knapa | |
| Bagaimana | How | Bagaimana | |
| Berapa | How many/how much | Brapa |
List of basic Indonesian words related to numbers and time
Indonesian numbers are necessary when shopping and telling time.
We will introduce a list of words related to numbers and time as a vocabulary book.
It's useful to remember everything from basic numbers to commonly used large numbers.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satu | 1 | Satu | |
| Dua | 2 | Dua | |
| Tiga | 3 | Tiga | |
| Empat | 4 | Umpah | |
| Lima | 5 | Lima | |
| Enam | 6 | Unam | |
| Tujuh | 7 | Tuju | |
| Delapan | 8 | Durapin | |
| Sembilan | 9 | Sembilan | |
| Sepuluh | 10 | Sprue | |
| Sebelas | 11 | Subras | |
| Dua belas | 12 | Dua Bras | |
| Tiga belas | 13 | Tiga Brass | |
| Lima belas | 15 | Lima Brass | |
| Dua puluh | 20 | Dua Puru | |
| Tiga puluh | 30 | Tiga Pull | |
| Empat puluh | 40 | Oompa Plu | |
| Lima puluh | 50 | Lima Pool | |
| Seratus | 100 | Slatus | |
| Seribu | 1,000 | Sliv | |
| Sejuta | 1 million | Sujuta | |
| Hari ini | today | Hari Ini | |
| Kemarin | yesterday | Coumarin | |
| Besok | tomorrow | Grrr | |
| Pagi | morning | Pagi | |
| Siang | noon | Cyan | |
| Sore | evening | That | |
| Malam | night | Malam | |
| Jam | Time/Clock | jam | |
| Menit | minutes | Muni |
Indonesian basic vocabulary for days of the week
This is a vocabulary book for the days of the week that you can use when talking about schedules and plans.
Here is a list of useful words to use when planning your trip or business trip to Indonesia.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senin | Monday | Sunin | |
| Selasa | Tuesday | Surasa | |
| Rabu | Wednesday | Love | |
| Kamis | Thursday | Kamis | |
| Jumat | Friday | Juma | |
| Sabtu | Saturday | Subtoe | |
| Minggu | Sunday | Ming |
Indonesian basic vocabulary for family and relationships
This is an Indonesian vocabulary book that describes family and human relationships.
We have compiled a list of vocabulary words that will be useful when communicating with Indonesians in everyday conversation.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keluarga | family | Kuruaruga | |
| Ayah | father | Aya | |
| Ibu | mother | Eve | |
| Anak | child | Anah | |
| Kakak | Older brother/older sister | Crack | |
| Adik | younger brother/sister | Add | |
| Suami | husband | Suami | |
| Istri | wife | Istori | |
| Teman | friend | Tuman | |
| Orang | people | Oran |
Indonesian food and drink vocabulary
This is an Indonesian vocabulary book that can be used in restaurants and markets.
If you memorize this vocabulary list, you'll have fun talking about food in everyday Indonesian conversations.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makanan | food | Macanan | |
| Minuman | drink | Minuman | |
| Nasi | cooked rice | No | |
| Mie | noodles | Me | |
| Ayam | chicken meat | Ayam | |
| Ikan | fish | No | |
| Sayur | vegetables | Sayur | |
| Buah | fruit | Bua | |
| Roti | bread | Roti | |
| Air | water | Isle | |
| Kopi | coffee | Copy | |
| Teh | Black tea | Te | |
| Susu | milk | Soot | |
| Gula | sugar | Gra | |
| Garam | salt | Garam |
Indonesian basic vocabulary for travel and transportation
A vocabulary list of transportation and locations necessary for traveling in Indonesia.
Here is a list of useful items to use at airports, hotels, and when traveling.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Hotel | Hotel | |
| Restoran | restaurant | restaurant | |
| Bandara | airport | Bandara | |
| Stasiun | station | Staciun | |
| Taksi | taxi | Taxi | |
| Bus | bus | Ugly | |
| Kereta | train | Crete | |
| Pesawat | plane | Psawwah | |
| Kamar | room | Kamal | |
| Toilet | toilet | Toilet | |
| Jalan | road | Jalan | |
| Kiri | left | Kiri | |
| Kanan | right | Canaan | |
| Lurus | Straight | Lulls | |
| Peta | map | Puta |
List of basic Indonesian vocabulary for shopping and money
This is an Indonesian vocabulary book for shopping and negotiating.
We have compiled a list of useful words for use in markets and shops.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uang | money | Uan | |
| Harga | price | Haruga | |
| Diskon | discount | Discontinued | |
| Bayar | pay | Bayard | |
| Mahal | expensive | Mahal | |
| Murah | cheap | unevenness |
List of basic Indonesian words related to body and health
This is an Indonesian vocabulary book about body parts and health.
We have compiled a list of words that will be useful when communicating your symptoms at a hospital or pharmacy.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kepala | head | Kupala | |
| Mata | eye | Mata | |
| Hidung | nose | Hidden | |
| Mulut | mouth | Murgh | |
| Tangan | hand | Tangan | |
| Kaki | feet | oyster | |
| Sakit | Pain/illness | Saki | |
| Sehat | health | Shhh | |
| Rumah sakit | hospital | Ruma Saki | |
| Obat | medicine | Oba |
List of basic Indonesian words for location and direction
This is an Indonesian vocabulary book that shows locations and directions.
Here is a list of words you will need for everyday conversations such as asking for directions or describing a location.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rumah | house | Luma | |
| Kantor | Office | Cantor | |
| Toko | shop | Toko | |
| Bank | bank | bank | |
| Sekolah | school | Schola | |
| Pasar | market | Pasar | |
| Depan | before | Dupin | |
| Belakang | behind | Bulacan | |
| Atas | above | Atas | |
| Bawah | under | Bawa |
Indonesian basic vocabulary for colors
This is a color vocabulary book used to describe things.
A list of words commonly used in shopping and everyday conversation.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merah | red | Mela | |
| Biru | blue | building | |
| Kuning | yellow | Kunin | |
| Hijau | green | Hijau | |
| Hitam | black | Hitam | |
| Putih | white | Petit |
Indonesian basic adjective vocabulary list
This is a vocabulary book of adjectives used to describe things and convey opinions.
Here's a list of important words that will broaden your everyday conversation!
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Besar | big | Busar | |
| Kecil | small | Kutyl | |
| Panjang | long | Panjan | |
| Pendek | short | Pundet | |
| Bagus | Good/Excellent | Bugs | |
| Jelek | Bad/Ugly | Juliet | |
| Panas | Hot/hot | Panas | |
| Dingin | Cold/chilly | Dingin | |
| Baru | new | Bar | |
| Lama | old | Llama |
List of basic Indonesian conjunctions and adverbs
This is a vocabulary book used to connect sentences and supplement meanings.
By memorizing this list of words, you will be able to have more natural conversations!
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan | and | Dan | |
| Atau | or | Atau | |
| Tetapi | but | Tutapi | |
| Karena | because | Karena | |
| Juga | too | Juga | |
| Sudah | Already | Suda | |
| Belum | still | Blum | |
| Sangat | very | Sanga |
Indonesian basic vocabulary for verbs
Here is a list of Indonesian verbs that are commonly used in everyday conversation.
Once you memorize this list of words, you will be able to make simple sentences.
| Indonesian | meaning | Katakana | audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makan | eat | Macan | |
| Minum | drink | Minum | |
| Pergi | go | Pulgi | |
| Datang | come | Datang | |
| Lihat | look | Rehearsal | |
| Dengar | listen | Dungar | |
| Bicara | talk | Bichara | |
| Baca | read | Bacha | |
| Tulis | write | Turis | |
| Beli | buy | Yellowtail | |
| Jual | sell | Casual | |
| Buka | open | Buka | |
| Tutup | close | Tutuup | |
| Ada | Yes/Yes | Ada | |
| Mau | I want/want to | Mau |
What is the recommended way to memorize Indonesian vocabulary and everyday conversations?

When learning Indonesian vocabulary and everyday conversations, it's hard to remember them if you just try to memorize them randomly.
From here on, we will introduce you to a method for efficiently memorizing Indonesian vocabulary and everyday conversations .
There are different ways to memorize vocabulary and everyday conversations that suit each person, so it's best to find a method that works for you.
If you find it difficult to continue studying vocabulary and everyday conversations, try out the memorization methods we will introduce.
It's recommended to learn related words as a set!
A recommended way to memorize Indonesian words is to memorize related words in groups .
For example, if you group words by genre, such as "food," "travel," and "family," as in the list of words in this article, you will find them easier to remember.
When creating an Indonesian vocabulary book or glossary , it is recommended to adopt a memorization method that organizes words by genre.
Creating your own vocabulary list will make learning and speaking Indonesian even more fun!
Repeating a little bit every day is effective
The most important thing to remember when learning Indonesian vocabulary is to repeat it a little bit every day .
It is easier to remember words by repeating 10 words from a vocabulary book or word list every day than by memorizing 100 words at once.
The important thing is not to try to memorize the entire vocabulary list perfectly from the start.
Even if you can't remember the meaning at first, as you continue to listen to the audio and speak it out loud over and over, it will naturally come to mind.
The quickest way to improve your Indonesian is to continue memorizing every day, even if it's just for a short time .
[Free] How to practice to improve your Indonesian pronunciation?
![[Free] How to practice to improve your Indonesian pronunciation?](https://storage.googleapis.com/ondoku3/image/bahasa_indonesia_words_004_930.webp)
Once you have memorized the Indonesian words, the next step is to practice pronunciation.
A recommended way to learn pronunciation is to use audio.
Here are some recommended ways to learn Indonesian pronunciation.
1. Improve your listening skills by repeatedly listening to audio of vocabulary and everyday conversations
When learning Indonesian words and pronunciation of everyday conversations, the most important thing is to listen to native pronunciation many times .
The key is not just to check the pronunciation in katakana, but to listen to the actual audio repeatedly to memorize the correct pronunciation .
It's ok to just listen to the audio of the words introduced in the vocabulary list on this page while commuting to work or school.
A more effective way to memorize is to concentrate more on listening to the audio, which will help you understand the unique sound characteristics of Indonesian.
2. Practice your Indonesian pronunciation by speaking it out loud
When learning Indonesian vocabulary and everyday conversations, it is very important to actually practice speaking out loud .
Rather than just memorizing words in your head, pronouncing them with your mouth will help them stick in your memory.
A recommended learning method is to record your own pronunciation and listen to it again.
You can easily check your pronunciation for free by using a recording app on your smartphone.
Practice out loud and compare it with the recording until you get the pronunciation right.
3. Try shadowing to practice your pronunciation!
Once you have memorized Indonesian words and everyday conversational expressions, why not try your hand at shadowing ?
Shadowing is a learning method in which you listen to audio and pronounce it in the same way after a slight delay.
When you play the Indonesian audio, immediately repeat out loud the words you hear.
It may be difficult to keep up with the audio at first, but by practicing repeatedly, you will be able to acquire natural Indonesian pronunciation.
Shadowing is an effective memorization method that allows you to improve your listening and speaking skills at the same time.
This article introduces practical Indonesian example sentences with audio, so be sure to check it out!
Improve your Indonesian language skills by using vocabulary books and word lists!
In this article, we introduced 165 basic Indonesian words with audio.
I hope this vocabulary list will be helpful in your Indonesian studies.
When learning words and pronunciation, it is very important not only to check how to read them in katakana, but also to listen to the audio and memorize the correct pronunciation.
By using a vocabulary book or word list, listening to audio repeatedly, and imitating pronunciation through shadowing, you can quickly improve your Indonesian language skills .
moreover!
By using the AI reading service "Ondoku," you can freely create native pronunciation audio for words other than those introduced in this article, free of charge .
Learn more Indonesian words and sentences to use in travel, business, and everyday conversations.
I wish you every success in your Indonesian language learning!
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![50 Indonesian greetings and everyday conversation phrases [with audio] | Text-to-speech software Ondoku](https://storage.googleapis.com/ondoku3/image/%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88%E3%83%8D%E3%82%B7%E3%82%A2%E8%AA%9E_930.webp)