From Dutch to Arabic to Portuguese: The Surprising Origins of Indonesian Words

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")

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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"!)

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