Common Buginese Phrases for Beginners (with Meanings)
Learning a few everyday phrases is the friendliest way into any language. Here are some common Buginese (Basa Ugi) expressions with their meanings in English and Indonesian. As always, romanised spellings can vary by region; these are widely understood forms.
Greetings and basics
- Tabe' — "excuse me / with respect" (a polite word used when passing someone or asking attention). English: excuse me. Indonesia: permisi.
- Magai kareba? — "How are you? / What's the news?" English: how are you. Indonesia: apa kabar.
- Madeceng — "good / fine." English: good. Indonesia: baik.
- Iyye' — "yes" (polite). English: yes. Indonesia: iya.
Courtesy
- Tarima kasi' — "thank you." English: thank you. Indonesia: terima kasih.
- Iyaro / iya — used in agreement depending on context.
A note on respect
Bugis culture places great value on honour and courtesy (concepts like siri', dignity, are central to Bugis identity). The word tabe' — offered with a slight lowering of the right hand — is one of the most characteristic gestures of Bugis politeness, used constantly in daily life when passing in front of others. Learning it first is a lovely sign of respect.
Practise in the script
Type any of these phrases into the transliteration tool to see them rendered in Lontara. Because the script omits final consonants, words like madeceng will appear in their phonetic form — a useful, real example of how the writing system works.
These are introductory forms for learners. Bugis speakers who would refine any phrase are warmly invited to contact us.