Balinese Words

The Balinese language, known as Basa Bali, is an Austronesian language predominantly spoken on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is distinct from Bahasa Indonesia, the national language, and has no significant similarities with it. Balinese is used not only in daily communication but also plays a crucial role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Balinese people. The language is an integral part of rituals, ceremonies, and traditional performances.

Balinese features a rich vocabulary and a complex system of honorifics that reflect the social hierarchy within the culture. There are three main registers: high (alus), middle (madya), and low (kasar), which vary in usage depending on the context and the social status of the speakers. This intricacy makes Balinese a challenging language for non-native speakers to master. However, learning basic phrases can significantly enhance the experience of visitors to the island.

While Balinese is predominantly spoken in Bali, it is also occasionally found in parts of Lombok and East Java. The language is currently facing challenges due to globalization and the dominance of Bahasa Indonesia, leading to a decline in its usage among younger generations. To combat this, various organizations are working to promote and preserve the language, developing educational materials and digital resources to engage learners.

For those interested in learning Balinese, resources are available online, including vocabulary lists and phrasebooks. Engaging with the language can offer deeper insights into Balinese culture, enhancing the understanding of its customs, beliefs, and artistic expressions

Balinese Words Greetings

• Hello – Om Suwastiastu
• Good morning – Selamat pagi
• Good afternoon – Selamat siang
• Good evening – Selamat sore
• Good night – Selamat malam
• Goodbye – Sampai jumpa
• How are you? – Engken kabare?
• I’m fine, thank you – Iyang becik, suksema
• What is your name? – Siapa nama sampeyan?
• My name is… – Nama tiang…

Balinese Words – Basic Expressions

• Yes – Inggih
• No – Tida
• Please – Tolong
• Thank you – Suksema
• You’re welcome – Sami-sami
• Excuse me – Ngaturang punia
• I’m sorry – Maaf
• I don’t understand – Tiang tida paham
• Can you help me? – Dados nenten wenten ngametuang tiang?
• How much is this? – Punapi hargane?

Balinese Words – Directions

• Where is…? – Di mana…?
• I’m lost – Tiang nyidang
• Can you show me on the map? – Dados nenten wenten ngidang ring peta?
• Turn left – Belok kiwa
• Turn right – Belok tengen
• Go straight – Lanjut terus
• Is it far? – Punika adoh?
• I want to go to… – Tiang wantah nenten wenten ring…
• Where can I find…? – Di mana dados nenten wenten ngidang…?
• Is there a bus station nearby? – Wenteng terminal bis ring ajengan?

Balinese Words – Transportation

• Call a taxi – Telepon taksi
• I need a ride – Tiang butuh mobil
• How long will it take? – Saking niki wenten wanci?
• Can you take me to this address? – Dados nenten wenten nyantosang ring alamat puniki?
• Do you have a car? – Wenteng mobil?
• I would like a motorbike rental – Tiang ingin nyantosang sewa motor
• Where is the nearest airport? – Di mana bandara sane wenten?
• Can you recommend a driver? – Dados nenten wenten nyantosang supir?
• What time does the last bus leave? – Jam berapa bis paling terakhir indike?
• Are there any car rentals nearby? – Wenteng sewa mobil ring ajengan?

Balinese Words – Shopping

• I would like to buy this – Tiang ingin beli puniki
• Can I try this on? – Dados tiang nyantosang ngidang puniki?
• It’s too expensive – Puniki ngidang keang banget
• Can I have a discount? – Dados nenten wenten diskon?
• What are the opening hours? – Punapi wanci buka?
• Do you accept credit cards? – Dados nenten wenten terima kartu kredit?
• Where can I buy souvenirs? – Di mana dados nenten wenten beli oleh-oleh?
• I’m just browsing – Tiang nenten wenten ngidang ring ngametuang
• Can I have a bag, please? – Dados nenten wenten minta tas?
• Do you have this in another size? – Wenteng puniki ring ukuran sane malih?

Balinese Words – Dining

• A table for two, please – Meja ring dua, tolong
• Can I see the menu? – Dados nenten wenten nyantosang menu?
• I would like to order – Tiang ingin mesan
• What do you recommend? – Punapi sane ngidang?
• I’m vegetarian – Tiang punika vegetarian
• Can I have the bill, please? – Dados nenten wenten nyantosang anggen?
• This is delicious – Puniki enak pisan
• Do you have any drinks? – Wenteng minuman?
• I’m allergic to… – Tiang alergi sareng…
• Is there Wi-Fi here? – Wenteng Wi-Fi ring puniki?

Balinese Words – Health and Safety

• I need a doctor – Tiang butuh dokter
• Where is the nearest pharmacy? – Di mana apotek sane wenten?
• Help! – Tolong!
• Call the police – Telepon polisi
• Is it safe here? – Puniki aman?
• I lost my passport – Tiang kelangan paspor
• Where is the nearest hospital? – Di mana rumah sakit sane wenten?
• Can you call an ambulance? – Dados nenten wenten nyantosang ambulans?
• I have a headache – Tiang wenten nyeri ring kapala
• Do you have a first aid kit? – Wenteng alat pertolongan pertama?

Balinese Words – Cultural Phrases

• I love Bali – Tiang cinta Bali
• Can I take pictures? – Dados tiang ngambil gambar?
• What is the local custom? – Punapi adat lokal?
• Is there a temple nearby? – Wenteng pura ring ajengan?
• I want to see a dance performance – Tiang ingin nyantosang pertunjukan tari
• Are there any ceremonies today? – Wenteng upacara ring niki?
• Can you teach me a few words? – Dados nenten wenten ngidang ring beberapa tembung?
• Where can I learn about Balinese culture? – Di mana dados nenten wenten ngidang ring budaya Bali?
• I appreciate your hospitality – Tiang ngidang ringang ngemargiang
• Is it okay to wear this? – Dados nenten wenten niki ngametuang?

Balinese Words – Emergencies

• I need help – Tiang butuh bantuan
• Where can I find the nearest police station? – Di mana kantor polisi sane wenten?
• My phone is lost – Hp tiang kelangan
• What should I do? – Punapi sane dados?
• I feel unwell – Tiang rasa tida nyaman
• Can you call someone for me? – Dados nenten wenten ngidang ringang nyantosang
• I need a translator – Tiang butuh penerjemah
• Where is the nearest ATM? – Di mana ATM sane wenten?
• I was robbed – Tiang dados maling
• Please stay calm – Tolong tenang

Balinese Words – Farewells

• See you later – Sampai jumpa
• Take care – Jaga diri
• Safe travels – Selamat jalan
• Have a great day – Selamat sareng dados dinten
• I will miss you – Tiang nyidang kangen
• Thank you for everything – Suksema ring sakadi
• Until next time – Sampai jumpa malih
• Hope to see you again – Ngidang ringang nyidang malih
• Enjoy your stay – Nikmati ring penginapan
• Goodbye – Sampai jumpa