VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

RRI World Service VOIJakarta with Let’s Speak Bahasa Indonesia.  A lesson in Bahasa  Indonesia or the Indonesian language on the radio. Introducing    some Indonesian vocabulary and guiding    you to use them in a conversation. Let's Speak Bahasa  Indonesia is a collaboration between  Voice Of Indonesia, RRI Foreign Broadcasting Station and the Agency for Language Development, the  Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. Today’s topic is " DI BUS"  or in English,  “ON THE BUS ”

First,We will introduce some Indonesian vocabulary and idioms related to the topic today. You read these word slowly, twice. 

Next is a conversation on   " DI BUS"  or in English,  “ON THE BUS ”

As usual I’ll say every sentence  slowly, twice, and you can follow after me.  The conversation is between Tono   (A)  and   Dewi (B) on the  Bus.

….MUSIK……………………………………

In the dialogue Dewi said, " Maaf  Mas, permisi.” Which in English means simply “Excuse me". The word mas is usually used to address a relatively young man. To address a relatively young woman, you can call her mbak. You can also add a  name after  mbak or mas, like Mbak Sinta, Mbak Rani, Mas Tony, Mas Andi. The term Mas and Mbak are actually not Indonesian but Javanese, a regional language in Indonesia. The original meaning of mas is older brother, and mbak is older sister. However  mas and mbak are often used in Indonesian everyday  conversation, especially in Java, though not necesarily in other parts of Indonesia. Usually  to address a  relatively young man and young woman.