Basic Bahasa Indonesia Words: Markets and Bargains

Exploring local markets and shopping districts is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience a new country. To really get the most out of your shopping adventures, it helps to know the right words and phrases. In this section, we’ll provide the practical vocabulary you need for shopping, bargaining, and chatting with vendors. Let’s dive in and make your shopping trips even better with these must-know Indonesian phrases!

Contents

  1. At the Market (Di Pasar)
    1. Example Scenario: Asking About Prices
  2. Bargaining (Tawar-menawar)
    1. Example Scenario: Bargaining for a Better Price
  3. In the Store (Di Toko)
    1. Example Scenario: Trying on Clothes
  4. Common Items (Barang Umum)
    1. Example Scenario: Asking for Specific Items
  5. What to Read Next

At the Market (Di Pasar)

Indonesian markets are bustling hubs of activity, filled with colorful sights and sounds. Here are some key words and phrases you might need:

  • Pasar – Market
  • Penjual – Seller
  • Pembeli – Buyer
  • Barang – Goods
  • Harga – Price
  • Tawar-menawar – Bargaining
  • Diskon – Discount
  • Mahal – Expensive
  • Murah – Cheap
  • Kualitas – Quality
  • Berat – Weight
  • Satuan – Unit

Example Scenario: Asking About Prices

Pembeli (Buyer): “Ini berapa harganya?” (How much is this?)


Penjual (Seller): “Harganya seratus ribu rupiah.” (It costs one hundred thousand rupiahs.)


Pembeli (Buyer): “Apakah ada diskon?” (Is there a discount?)


Penjual (Seller): “Bisa, jika Anda membeli dua.” (Yes, if you buy two.)


Pembeli (Buyer): “Baiklah, saya ambil dua.” (Alright, I’ll take two.)

Bargaining (Tawar-menawar)

Bargaining is an essential skill in many Indonesian markets. Here are some useful phrases:

  • Bisa kurang? – Can you lower the price?
  • Ada diskon? – Is there a discount?
  • Harga pas – Fixed price
  • Terlalu mahal – Too expensive
  • Bisa lebih murah? – Can it be cheaper?
  • Saya hanya punya… – I only have…
  • Kalau saya beli dua… – If I buy two…

Example Scenario: Bargaining for a Better Price

Pembeli (Buyer): “Bisa kurang? Ini terlalu mahal.” (Can you lower the price? This is too expensive.)


Penjual (Seller): “Anda maunya berapa?” (How much are you offering?)


Pembeli (Buyer): “Bagaimana kalau delapan puluh ribu?” (How about eighty thousand?)


Penjual (Seller): “Harga pasnya seratus ribu.” (One hundred thousand is the fixed price.)


Pembeli (Buyer): “Saya hanya punya sembilan puluh ribu.” (I only have ninety thousand.)


Penjual (Seller): “Baiklah, sembilan puluh ribu saja.” (Alright, ninety thousand it is.)

In the Store (Di Toko)

Shopping in a store can be different from markets. Here are some terms and phrases to help:

  • Toko – Store
  • Kasir – Cashier
  • Pembayaran – Payment
  • Tunai – Cash
  • Kartu kredit – Credit card
  • Kartu debit – Debit card
  • Bon – Receipt
  • Garansi – Warranty
  • Ukuran – Size
  • Warna – Color
  • Coba – Try out
  • Ruang ganti – Fitting room
  • Pengembalian dana – Refund

Example Scenario: Trying on Clothes

Pembeli (Buyer): “Di mana ruang ganti?” (Where is the fitting room?)


Pelayan toko (Store attendant): “Di sebelah kanan, dekat dengan kasir.” (To the right, near the cashier.)


Pembeli (Buyer): “Apakah saya bisa coba ukuran yang lebih besar?” (Can I try a bigger size?)


Pelayan toko (Store attendant): “Baik, akan saya ambilkan untuk Anda.” (Sure, I will get it for you.)

Common Items (Barang Umum)

Knowing the names of common items can be very helpful. Here are some examples:

  • Pakaian – Clothing
  • Sepatu – Shoes
  • Tas – Bag
  • Aksesoris – Accessories
  • Buah-buahan – Fruit
  • Minuman – Beverage
  • Sayuran – Vegetables
  • Daging – Meat
  • Elektronik – Electronics
  • Mainan – Toys
  • Makanan siap saji – Fast food
  • Bahan pakaian – Textile
  • Kosmetik – Cosmetics
  • Obat-obatan – Medicine
  • Produk susu – Dairy product
  • Oleh-oleh – Souvenirs
  • Kerajinan tangan – Handicraft

Example Scenario: Asking for Specific Items

Pembeli (Buyer): “Apakah Anda menjual buah-buahan segar?” (Do you sell fresh fruits?)


Penjual (Seller): “Ya, kami punya berbagai macam buah segar.” (Yes, we have a variety of fresh fruits.)


Pembeli (Buyer): “Saya ingin membeli satu kilogram apel.” (I want to buy one kilogram of apples.)


Penjual (Seller): “Ini apel terbaik kami, harganya tiga puluh ribu per kilogram.” (These are our best apples, they cost thirty thousand per kilogram.)


Pembeli (Buyer): “Apakah saya bisa mencoba satu dulu?” (Can I try one first?)


Penjual (Seller): “Tentu, silakan dicoba.” (Sure, please try.)

With these phrases in your back pocket, you’re ready to hit the markets and stores with confidence. Whether you’re bargaining for a deal or just enjoying the local shopping scene, these essential Indonesian terms will make it easier to chat and find your way around. Happy shopping!

What to Read Next