Colloquial vs formal

By Speak Indo, from the Speak Indo Indonesian course.

Spoken Indonesian drops affixes and uses shorter forms. Know both.

How it works

Formal Indonesian (news, books, official contexts) uses full affixation. Everyday speech drops affixes, shortens words, and uses slang. Common shortcuts: • tidak → nggak / gak (casual 'no/not') • sudah → udah • tidak apa-apa → gapapa (no problem) • saya → gue (Jakarta slang for 'I') • kamu → lo (Jakarta slang for 'you') • membaca → baca (drop me-) • mengerti → ngerti In writing or with elders/strangers: stick to formal. With friends your age, shortcuts are expected.

Examples

• Gue udah makan. (casual)
  I've already eaten.
• Saya sudah makan. (formal)
  I have already eaten.
• Gapapa, santai aja.
  No problem, just relax.