Names
Balinese names are typically composed of three parts:
- Title: Titles are used to indicate the social status of a person. For example, the title “I” is used for men, while the title “Ni” is used for women.
Tip: Some additional titles are adding “ibu/pak” before the name for people older than you. Also on the reverse, if a student calls you ibu, mbok, bli, pak, it means that they respect you.
- Birth order name: The birth order name is used to indicate the order in which the person was born in their family. There are four birth order names:
First born: Wayan, Gede, Putu, Ni Luh
Second born: Made, Kadek
Third born: Nyoman, Komang
Fourth born: Ketut
For a fifth child or beyond, the name cycle will repeat!
- Personal name: The personal name is a unique name that is given to the person, often chosen for a positive meaning or personal characteristic. These can also be shortened as a nickname. Often, girl personal names end with an “i”, while boy names will end with an “a”.
If you want to learn more about Balinese names, check out this webpage!
Greetings & Daily Interactions
Locals in Bali are typically very kind and friendly. Because tourism is so prevalent, they are also very hospitable. On your end, it is customary to smile and say hello/greet all people you meet. Some key phrases you could use are:
Om swastiastu: a traditional Balinese greeting = "peace be with you." Selemat + pagi / + sore / + malam: (Indonesian) good morning / afternoon / evening Apa kabar: how are you? Baik / Baik-baik, terima kasih: I am good, thank you Sampai jumpa: See you Selamat jalan: Goodbye
Try to be as polite as possible so as not to offend anyone, and be humble if you do! These phrases are also key:
Maaf: "I'm sorry” Permisi: “excuse me" Matur suksma / suksma: "thank you" / “thanks (Balinese) Terima kasih: “thank you” (Indonesian) Sama sama / Mewali: you’re welcome (Indonesian/Balinese)