Learner Survival Phrases
Lesson 13.5

Bagaimana Cara Mengatakannya?

How Do You Say It?

Bagaimana Cara Mengatakannya?

How Do You Say It?

bah-gah-EE-mah-nah CHA-rah meng-ah-TAH-kahn-nyah

💡
Tip

This is a mouthful! A simpler version: 'Bagaimana bilangnya?' — same meaning, much easier to say.

Learn to ask "How Do You Say It?" in Indonesian with "Bagaimana Cara Mengatakannya?" This phrase — and its easier shortcut — empowers Bahasa Indonesia learners to name things they see but don't know the word for.

💬Example Sentences

  • Ini bagaimana bilangnya dalam bahasa Indonesia?

    How do you say this in Indonesian?

  • Bagaimana cara mengatakannya?

    How do you say it?

  • Bahasa Indonesianya apa?

    What's the Indonesian for it?

🏭Cultural Context

Pointing at something and saying "bagaimana bilangnya?" is an incredibly productive learning strategy in Indonesia. Vendors, shopkeepers, and locals love to teach you words for things around you. This direct learning method — pointing and asking — is how children naturally acquire language, and Indonesian adults find it charming when foreigners do the same. Be prepared for the conversation to expand: once you ask how to say something, your Indonesian friend may teach you five related words and explain cultural context. Indonesians generally take great delight in being language teachers for curious visitors.