Here's a secret that will accelerate your learning: Indonesian builds vocabulary by combining simple words.
The Pattern
Rumah (House) Compounds
- Rumah sakit -- Sick house = Hospital
- Rumah makan -- Eating house = Restaurant
- Rumah tangga -- Stairway house = Household
Kamar (Room) Compounds
- Kamar mandi -- Bathing room = Bathroom
- Kamar tidur -- Sleeping room = Bedroom
- Kamar tamu -- Guest room = Living room
Air (Water) Compounds
- Air panas -- Hot water
- Air dingin -- Cold water
- Air mata -- Eye water = Tears
- Air terjun -- Falling water = Waterfall
Mata (Eye) Compounds
- Mata hari -- Eye of the day = Sun
- Mata-mata -- Eye-eye = Spy
- Mata uang -- Eye of money = Currency
Food: The Goreng/Bakar/Rebus System
- Goreng (fried): nasi goreng, mie goreng, ayam goreng
- Bakar (grilled): ikan bakar, ayam bakar
- Rebus (boiled): telur rebus, mie rebus
The Orang (Person) System
- Orang tua -- Old person = Parents
- Orang asing -- Foreign person = Foreigner
- Orang hutan -- Forest person = Orangutan
Try It Yourself
- Jam tangan (clock + hand) = Wristwatch!
- Hari kerja (day + work) = Workday!
- Air laut (water + sea) = Seawater!
Explore more in our lesson modules!