Pronouns in Indonesian
Learn how to address people in Indonesian.
What Indonesians' lack for complexity in grammar, they try to make up for with their pronouns. But don't worry - if you can't be bothered to learn all these words, you can always play safe by just using saya for I/me and anda for you. You'll be sure to pick up the rest as you go along.
| Formal word for I/me | Saya |
| Informal word for I/me | Aku |
| We, including the person you are talking to | Kita |
| We, not including the person you are talking to | Kami |
| You: this is the play-safe word – and a relatively new one. You can use it with anyone, although it might sound strange using it with kids. | Anda |
| This is informal, and is especially used with family and people younger than. | Kamu |
| You (plural i.e. when you address more than one person). | Kalian |
| Younger sister/brother – can be used to address younger people. | Adik |
| Older sister or brother. | Kakak |
| Use with people you respect, normally older than you – very formal. | Beliau |
| Can mean mother or Mrs. A respectful form of address for a middle aged lady. | Ibu |
| Father or Mr. | Bapak |
| Uncle | Om |
| Grandmother – can be used to address an older lady. | Nenek |
| Grandfather – but can be to address an older man. | Kakek |
| Used to address children. | Nak/anak |
| He/she. His/hers E.g. That's his car. |
Dia Nya Itu mobilnya. |
| It (can also mean that) | Itu |