Knowing some basic words and phrases of a local language can help greatly when travelling somewhere new. Not only does it make it easier to get around and communicate, it also allows you to connect with the locals. You don’t have to be fluent, but a little bit of linguistic knowledge goes a long way!
In Bali, most locals can speak English, especially those in the service industry. However, this is actually their third language. Their second language is the national language Bahasa Indonesia, and their first is Balinese, the local dialect.
Communicating with the Balinese in their own language builds an instant connection and will open more genuine conversations during your travels. To help you make the most of your time in Bali, here are essential Balinese phrases you should know.
Basic Balinese words and greetings
Starting a conversation is easy with a simple hello. You can use these words and phrases when approaching a Bali local.
Om Swastyastu
This Balinese phrase is the standard “hello.” Being Sanskrit, Om Swastyastu is more than a mere greeting, but a blessing or well wishes for the other person. It’s usually uttered with a smile and slight nod. In more formal occasions, some would also put their hands together in a prayer.
Rahajeng semeng, rahajeng tengai, and rahajeng peteng
While not frequently uttered in day-to-day conversation, these phrases are also a polite way to start a conversation.
Rahajeng semeng means good morning, rahajeng tengai means good afternoon, and rahajeng peteng means good evening.
Matur suksma
A “thank you” in Balinese is matur suksma or simply suksma. In response to this, you can say mewali to mean “you’re welcome.”
Nggih and sing
Bali’s proximity to Java means the languages in these two provinces borrow from each other.
Nggih and sing are both Balinese and Javanese for yes and no.
Ampura
Ampura is used to apologise or say “excuse me.”
Balinese words to address locals
You’ll come across many locals in Bali, whether at hotels, restaurants, or even on the beach. When conversing, use these respectful words to address them.
- Bli: brother, referring to younger men
- Bapak / Pak: mister or sir, referring to older men
- Gek: sister, referring to younger women
- Ibu / Bu: ma’am, referring to older women
Balinese phrases to start a conversation
In addition to the above Balinese vocabulary, the following words are also useful for starting a conversation, especially with someone you’ve just met.
The Balinese language can be divided based on degrees of formality and politeness, so choose your words depending on who you are talking to and the situational context of the conversation.
| Balinese | ||
| English | Formal | Casual |
| I | Tiang | Cang |
| You | Ragane | Ci |
| My name is… | Adan tiang | Adan cang |
| What’s your name? | Nyen adan ragane? | Nyen adan ci? |
| How are you? | Punapi gatra? | Ken-ken kabare? |
| I’m fine | Tiang becik-becik | Cak becik-becik |
Survival phrases for making your way around Bali
Want to go beyond a short conversation? You can use the following Balinese phrases when travelling around the island to help you find places you need and easily make purchases.
Ngidang ngalih
Use this at restaurants, warungs, and stores when ordering food or buying goods. This phrase means “Can I have…”
For example, ngidang ngalih nasi campur, means “Can I have nasi campur?”
Wenten toilet?
You’ll never know when nature calls, so this phrase is useful to know if you find yourself needing the toilet somewhere unfamiliar! It simply means, “Where is the toilet?”
Kenken carane tiang neked ka…?
Lost your way? Come up to a local and ask them this, completing the sentence with the place you’re looking for.
To ask how to get to Tanah Lot, for instance, you can ask, Kenken carane tiang neked ka Tanah Lot?
Kude nike?
When shopping, especially at local markets and vendors, always ask for the price of something before paying. To do this, simply ask, kude nike? Which means “How much is it?”
Balinese phrases for dining and ordering food
Knowing a handful of food-related phrases will take you further than a menu ever could. Whether you’re at a local warung or a restaurant, a well-placed word in Balinese tends to earn a warm response.
Jaen pisan and jaen gati
After a meal you’ve enjoyed, say jaen pisan (very delicious) or jaen gati (extremely delicious). The base word jaen means delicious on its own, and you can drop it in mid-meal too. A simple jaen! while eating will be understood immediately and appreciated by anyone who prepared the food.
Wenten menu?
At smaller warungs or local stalls that may not display menus, you can ask wenten menu? (Do you have a menu?). In most tourist-facing restaurants, menus in English are standard, but at neighbourhood spots this phrase can be genuinely useful.
Navigating Balinese markets and shopping
Once you know the price, the next step is knowing how to negotiate it. These phrases will take you from asking to buying with confidence.
Dados kirang? and Ten dados tawah?
Bali has two common bargaining phrases, and they work in slightly different contexts. Dados kirang? (Can it be less?) is softer in tone and works well at warungs, small cafes, or any semi-casual setting where you want to sound polite rather than pushy. Ten dados tawah? (Can it be cheaper?) is the more direct and widely used form in traditional markets. Either works; use them with a smile and a light tone, as bargaining here is a social exchange, not a confrontation.
Tiang jagi numbas niki
Once you’ve agreed on a price, seal the deal with tiang jagi numbas niki — “I will buy this.” It’s a clear, polite way to signal your intention without any ambiguity.
Phrases for temple visits and ceremonies
Ngiring
You may hear ngiring used as an invitation, meaning roughly “please” or “join us.” If a local uses it to invite you closer during a ceremony or to share food, it is a genuine gesture of welcome. Accepting graciously, with a slight nod and suksma, is the appropriate response.
Titiang
In formal or sacred settings such as when speaking to a priest or elder, use titiang instead of tiang for “I.” It is the more respectful register of the first-person pronoun and shows awareness of the social hierarchy that underpins Balinese language.
Mepamit
When leaving a temple or a home you have been welcomed into, mepamit is the phrase to use. It means “I am taking my leave” and is considered more respectful than simply walking away. Pair it with a slight bow and you leave the right impression.
Beyond specific phrases, the most important thing to carry into any temple or ceremony is awareness. Dress modestly, follow the lead of those around you, and let ampura come out naturally if you make a misstep. The Balinese are genuinely warm toward visitors who make the effort, however imperfect.
Armed with these phrases, you’re well prepared to move through Bali with confidence. The best place to put your new vocabulary to work first? Pull up a chair at Merah Putih in Petitenget and try a few phrases with the team. Book a table today, and make use of our gift vouchers for something extra special.
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FAQ
In Balinese, matur suksma, or more casually, just suksma means thank you.
To say thank you, the Balinese will say matur suksma or just suksma. In response, you can say mewali which means “you’re welcome.”
It’s customary for the Balinese to name their children based on their birth order. Somebody with the name Ketut is always the fourth-born child of the family.
In Balinese, rahajeng means “safe” or “prosperous” and is used as a common greeting. When combined with other words, its context becomes congratulatory.
The word for delicious in Balinese is jaen. To say “very delicious,” use jaen pisan or jaen gati. Both are widely understood and will earn you an immediate smile from anyone who cooked or served your meal.
Start with kude nike? (How much?) to get the price, then follow up with dados kirang? (Can it be less?) or ten dados tawah? (Can it be cheaper?). Keep the tone light and friendly. Bargaining in Bali is a social exchange, not a negotiation.
