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:

 


Indonesian


Use

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:

 


Indonesian


Use

Kemana kamu mau pergi?

Where   you    want  go

Kemana bapak mau    pergi?

Where   mister  wants  go