Pronouns Indonesian are the following:
| Indonesian | English |
| Saya | I |
| Dia | He/she |
| Kamu / Anda (formal and distance) | You |
| Kalian | You (plural) |
| Kami | We |
| Mereka | They |
How to address “you” in polite language
In polite language it is rare to use the pronoun kamu when addressing a conversation partner. It is more common to use the entitlement.
These are commonly used entitlements:
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|
|
| Bapak | Married or older or higher hierarchy man |
| Mas | Adult (married or not married) but young man (older or younger than you) |
| Ibu | Married or older or higher hierarchy woman |
| Mbak | Adult (married or not married) but young woman (older or younger than you) |
Note:
In familiar language, mas and mbak are used adressing to older brother or sister.
So let’s see if you understand. Your boss (man) is much younger than you, how do you adress him? à Bapak
Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, you don’t have to be exact!
Examples in sentences:
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| Kemana kamu mau pergi? Where you want go | Kemana bapak mau pergi? Where mister wants go |