French / Indonesian Glossary

For your next trip to Indonesia, and Bali in particular, it is always rewarding to pick up a little of the local language to make communication easier and enjoy a more authentic experience.

What language(s) are spoken in Indonesia and Bali?

One of the great joys of travel is the linguistic discovery it brings. In Indonesia, the official language is Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian), spoken by around 250 million people, nearly 72 million of whom speak it as their mother tongue. In Bali, Bahasa Indonesia is commonly used in administration, education, the media and everyday interethnic life. But the Balinese language, known as Bahasa Bali, remains widely spoken and deeply rooted in the local community, particularly during family conversations, rituals and ceremonies.

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Languages spoken for tourism in Bali

When travelling in Bali, English is widely spoken in tourist areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud and Nusa Dua. Hotel staff, guides and many shopkeepers speak English, allowing travellers to get around easily without necessarily mastering Indonesian. French remains rare, except in a few high-end establishments or with specialist guides, and this is the exception rather than the rule. Away from tourist spots, knowing a few words of Indonesian is appreciated and will make communication easier, especially in villages or local markets.

Practical tips for learning Indonesian while travelling

Although fluency in Bahasa Indonesia isn't essential for a tailor-made stay in Bali, knowing a few key phrases is always appreciated locally. The language uses the Latin alphabet, and the pronunciation is fairly intuitive. Here are a few tips to help you progress quickly:

• Switch your phone and apps to Indonesian to immerse yourself in the language.
• Use local markets and restaurants to practise naturally (greeting people, asking prices, saying thank you, and so on).
• Try free apps such as Duolingo, which is great for beginners, or use Google Translate in offline mode during your trip. Other options exist too, such as Babbel or Memrise, which are generally paid or partly free.
• Take part in a local cultural workshop or introductory class (cooking, dance): it's ideal for practising everyday expressions in a friendly setting.

You can also visit the Alliance Française in Bali, which offers on-site classes specially designed for French speakers wanting to learn Indonesian.

Key Indonesian phrases for stress-free travel

Knowing a few basic expressions lets you approach local people in a respectful, relaxed way. Here is an expanded glossary, including polite phrases, common questions and everyday situations:

Even using a few simple words like 'Terima kasih' (thank you) or 'Permisi' (excuse me) always delights the Balinese people and will enrich your encounters during your stay on the Island of the Gods.

Your local agency in Bali says: Sampai jumpa di Pulau Dewata … see you soon on the Island of the Gods!

Find out more about websites and blogs to explore further

Discover also the diversity of Balinese ethnic groups and their religion, and immerse yourself in the richness of the history of Bali.