"hello" is a vital word to learn when traveling abroad.The language used in Indonesia and Malaysia is called Bahasa.Depending on the time of day and level of formality, "hello" can be said in either of these countries.Entering a new culture can be intimidating, but with practice you should be able to greet people with ease.
Step 1: "Selamat" is the beginning of your greeting.
Say "Selamat" to begin your greeting.It is placed before the words in the morning, afternoon, and so on."Suh-lah-mat" is the rough pronunciation.The time of day affects your greeting.
Step 2: Say "selamat pagi" in the morning.
"pagi" is the word for morning in Bahasa.It's pronounced "pah-gee.""Selamat pagi" is how to say good morning in Bahasa.It is considered the morning until 11 a.m.
Step 3: Say "selamat" for a good day.
Say "Selamat Siang" if you see someone around mid-afternoon.It sounds like "suh-lah-mat see-ahng."Between 11 a.m. and 4 pm, this greeting is appropriate.In Indonesia, this greeting is used more often.The greeting is not as common in Malaysia.It may be a bit of a surprise.People in Malaysia say "Good morning/evening/night" more often.
Step 4: Say "selamat sore" for a while.
Say "Selamat sore" to say "Good afternoon"It's roughly pronounced, "suh-lah-mat sor-ee."This is used before the sun goes down.In Malaysia, the phrase "good afternoon" is used less often.The greeting should be used in Indonesia."Good evening" is used after 4 pm in Malaysia.
Step 5: Say "selamat malam" for good night and evening.
Say "Selamat malam" when you see someone after dark.This is pronounced "suh-lah-mat".
Step 6: It's a good idea to shake hands lightly.
After greeting in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia, it is customary to shake hands.In these countries, handshakes only involve touching hands.It's normal to briefly touch your heart after.This shows respect.
Step 7: First use "selamat" for formal situations.
"Selamat" is the beginning of interactions with bosses or teachers.The beginning of the greeting may be seen as disrespectful.
Step 8: Drop the "selamat" when talking to friends.
"selamat" is not always necessary if you are friends with someone.You can say "pagi" instead of "selamat pagi."This is the same thing as saying, "Morning."Informal greetings are frequently used in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Step 9: For formal situations, use "selamat" first.
"Selamat" is the beginning of interactions with bosses or teachers.The beginning of the greeting may be seen as disrespectful.On the side of formality.It's best not to offend others with an informal greeting.If you're not familiar with a country's culture, this is important.Just in case, keep the "selamat" in place if you don't know how friendly you're going to be with someone.
Step 10: Ask how someone is doing.
It's polite to ask someone how they're doing after greeting them in both Indonesia and Malaysia.Say, "A pa kabar."It means "apah ka-bar."This roughly means, "How are you?"
Step 11: Tell us where you're from.
People might want to know where you're from."Where are you from?" is what the words mean.You can reply with "Saya"."I am from..." is what this means.Then tell us where you're going."Saya dari Canada" is an example.
Step 12: Discuss travel plans.
"Mua ke mana" may be asked by someone."Where are you going?" is what this means."Saya mau ke..." is how to answer.Then tell us your destination."I want to go to..." is what this means."Saya mau ke Bali" is an example.
Step 13: Say "selamat tinggal" for the last time.
Say goodbye to the person after finishing a conversation.Say "Selamat tinggal" if you're leaving.Say "Selamat jalan" if the other person is leaving the conversation.