Introduction
Learning a new language is always exciting, and if you’re interested in exploring South Sulawesi, learning some basic Makassar language phrases can help you connect with locals. While Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken, using Makassar expressions can impress the locals and enhance your travel experience.
In this article, we’ll cover common greetings, everyday expressions, numbers, and useful phrases to help beginners get started with the Makassar language.
1. Greetings and Polite Expressions
Greetings are essential when meeting new people. Here are some common ways to say hello and goodbye in Makassar:
| English | Makassar | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | Kumasseleng tamma | koo-mah-seh-leng tah-mah |
| Good afternoon | Kumasseleng kareba | koo-mah-seh-leng kah-reh-bah |
| Good evening | Kumasseleng bosi | koo-mah-seh-leng boh-see |
| How are you? | Apa kareba? | ah-pah kah-reh-bah? |
| I’m fine, thanks | Iyya, salama’ki | ee-yah, sah-lah-mah-kee |
| Goodbye | Salama’ki | sah-lah-mah-kee |
🔹 Cultural Note: The word Salama’ki is often used as a general polite expression, meaning “Take care” or “Blessings to you.”
2. Common Everyday Expressions
Once you’ve mastered greetings, it’s helpful to learn some daily expressions that you can use in casual conversations.
| English | Makassar | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Iyya | ee-yah |
| No | Tena’ | teh-nah’ |
| Thank you | Terima kasi’ | tuh-ree-mah kah-see’ |
| Sorry | Napoang | nah-poh-ahng |
| Excuse me | Iyenna’ | ee-yeh-nah’ |
| What’s your name? | Siapa namatta? | see-ah-pah nah-mah-tah? |
| My name is… | Namakku … | nah-mah-koo … |
🔹 Tip: The word kasi’ in “Terima kasi’” has a slight glottal stop at the end, making it different from the Indonesian “Terima kasih.”
3. Numbers in Makassar Language
Knowing numbers is useful for shopping, bargaining, and asking for directions. Here’s how you count from 1 to 10 in Makassar:
| Number | Makassar | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Satu | sah-too |
| 2 | Dua | doo-ah |
| 3 | Tallu | tah-loo |
| 4 | Eppa | eh-pah |
| 5 | Lima | lee-mah |
| 6 | Enneng | eh-nenng |
| 7 | Pitu | pee-too |
| 8 | Arua | ah-roo-ah |
| 9 | Asse’ | ah-seh’ |
| 10 | Pulo | poo-loh |
🔹 Fun Fact: “Tallu” (three) is often used in traditional sayings, as many Makassar proverbs emphasize groups of three.
4. Asking for Directions
If you’re traveling in Makassar or South Sulawesi, knowing how to ask for directions can be very helpful.
| English | Makassar | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | Dimana…? | dee-mah-nah…? |
| Left | Kiri | kee-ree |
| Right | Kana’ | kah-nah’ |
| Straight ahead | Lurus | loo-roos |
| Near | Kawali’ | kah-wah-lee’ |
| Far | Ampe’ | ahm-peh’ |
| Help! | Nolongangi! | noh-long-ahng-ee! |
🔹 Tip: When asking for directions, be polite by adding “Iyya, napolongangi” (Excuse me, could you help me?).
5. Ordering Food in Makassar Language
Makassar is famous for its delicious cuisine, and knowing a few food-related phrases will help you order like a local!
| English | Makassar | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I want to order… | Nakak… | nah-kahk… |
| How much is this? | Berapa hargana? | beh-rah-pah har-gah-nah? |
| It’s delicious! | Nasangaji! | nah-sahng-ah-jee! |
| I’m full | Nakakku buppa’ | nah-kah-koo boo-pah’ |
🔹 Must-Try Makassar Foods:
🍜 Coto Makassar – A rich beef soup with peanut sauce.
🍚 Pallubasa – A spicier version of Coto, served with raw egg.
🐟 Ikan Bakar Parape – Grilled fish with a sweet and savory sauce.
6. Expressing Feelings and Emotions
Want to express happiness, surprise, or excitement? Here are some common phrases:
| English | Makassar | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I’m happy | Nakakku senang | nah-kah-koo seh-nahng |
| I’m tired | Nakakku lisu’ | nah-kah-koo lee-soo’ |
| It’s amazing! | Bagusna’! | bah-goos-nah’! |
| I like it | Nakakku suka | nah-kah-koo soo-kah |
🔹 Cultural Insight: The word “Bagusna’” is often used to express excitement, similar to saying “Awesome!” in English.
7. Conclusion
Learning a few basic Makassar language phrases can make your visit to South Sulawesi more enjoyable and meaningful. Even if you only know a few words, locals will appreciate your effort and welcome you warmly.