This is the most useful lesson in the beginner level, and most courses put it near the end. It is six sentences, and together they turn every conversation you have into a free lesson.
What does that mean
Apa artinya? ‘What does that mean?’
Apa artinya “sayang”? ‘What does sayang mean?’
Arti is meaning, and -nya makes it specific, the same -nya you met in the possessives lesson.
How do you say
Bagaimana bilangnya? ‘How do you say it?’
Bahasa Indonesianya apa? ‘What’s the Indonesian for it?’
That second one is worth having ready. Point at an object, say it, and you get the word.
Slow down
Pelan-pelan, ya. ‘Slowly, please.’
Sekali lagi? ‘Again?’
Pelan-pelan is the doubled adjective from the plurals lesson, and it is a complete sentence on its own.
I don’t understand
Saya kurang paham. ‘I don’t quite follow.’
Saya tidak mengerti. ‘I don’t understand.’
Both work. Kurang paham is literally ‘insufficiently understanding’, and it is softer: it says the fault is shared. Indonesians use it about each other, and it does not stop the conversation the way a flat tidak mengerti can.
Saying how much you speak
Saya baru belajar. ‘I’m just learning.’
Bahasa Indonesia saya masih sedikit. ‘My Indonesian is still limited.’
Say either of these early in a conversation and people will slow down for you without being asked. It is the single most effective thing you can do.
Checking you got it right
Betul? ‘Is that right?’
Begini? ‘Like this?’
Indonesians correct foreigners gently and often not at all, out of politeness. Asking directly gives them permission, and you will learn far faster for it.
What you’ll actually hear
What the book says: Maaf, saya tidak mengerti. Bisakah Anda mengulanginya?
What you’ll hear: Apa? Sekali lagi dong.