Indonesian is a linguistic melting pot. Each borrowed word is a tiny history lesson.
Dutch (350 Years of Colonial Rule)
- Handuk -- Towel (from "handdoek")
- Kantor -- Office (from "kantoor")
- Gratis -- Free
- Bon -- Receipt (as in "minta bon!")
Arabic (Centuries of Islamic Influence)
- Jumat -- Friday (from "Jumu'ah")
- Senin -- Monday (from "Ithnayn")
- Maaf -- Sorry (from "Ma'af")
- Selamat -- Blessed/safe (from "Salamat")
Portuguese (First Europeans)
- Minggu -- Sunday (from "Domingo")
- Gereja -- Church (from "Igreja")
- Jendela -- Window (from "Janela")
- Sepatu -- Shoes (from "Sapato")
Sanskrit (Hindu-Buddhist Heritage)
- Bahasa -- Language (from "Bhasha")
- Guru -- Teacher
- Suami -- Husband (from "Swami")
- Istri -- Wife (from "Stri")
Chinese (Trade and Community)
- Mie -- Noodles (Hokkien)
- Tahu -- Tofu
- Kecap -- Soy sauce (which gave English "ketchup"!)
Explore the language in our lesson library!