Icelandic can be described as Delightful language. It originated from Iceland but spoken in many regions world wide. Regions and states that speak Icelandic consists of Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec, New Brunswick, Louisiana in North America; former Icelandic colonies in North Africa and West Africa; Haiti and Martinique in the Caribbean; Icelandic Guiana in South America; Tahiti and numerous other islands in Oceania. Learn More
Do you need to figure out how to have a discussion in Icelandic language, when getting started? Or simply should keep in mind the Icelandic sentences you had learnt years ago? From getting around on trains and buses to ordering a meal in a fabulous local cafe in Iceland as well as just about any place where they converse in the Icelandic Language, learn the vital Icelandic phrases right here to make your holiday better.
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The shorter the better | |
Colloquial Indonesian shortens commonly used words mercilessly. | |
Unless noted as (informal), phrases in this phrasebook use the formal, polite Anda and saya forms for "you" and "I" respectively. | |
tidak → tak → nggak → gak | no |
tidak ada → tiada | not have |
sudah → udah → dah | already |
bapak → pak | father; you (polite, for men) |
ibu → bu | mother; you (polite, for older women) |
aku → ku | I (informal) |
kamu → mu | you (informal) |
-ku and -mu also act as suffixes: mobilku is short for mobil aku, "my car". Note that shortened words are often less formal, and there for clarity, the standard form may be preferred. | |
Referring to others politely | |
Terms for "you" are considered impolite in Indonesia. To call anyone "kamu" is in itself often condescending; opt for the honorific instead. | |
Bapak/Pak (male)/Ibu/Bu (female) | adults. Defaulting to this is usually safe. |
Kakak/Kak | slightly older people, but still in the same age group. E.g. school seniors |
Adik/Dik | younger people. |
It is also safe to call people by their name (with honorifics) or their title, such as "Pak Guru" (a male teacher). In some areas, local terms are in use, such as "Abang" for older males in the Jakarta region. Using the standard Indonesian phrases are also fine in these situations. |
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