VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Welcome back to Let’s Speak Bahasa Indonesia, a segment which invites you to learn Bahasa Indonesia.  The program ‘Let's Speak Bahasa Indonesia’ is 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, I’ll introduce some Indonesian vocabulary and idioms related to the topic today. I’ll say each word slowly, twice. You can follow after me.

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.

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, or 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. The words are usually  used to address a relatively young man and young woman.