I’m learning Indonesian—Bahasa Indonesia! Aku belajar!
Hi, I’m Seojun.
These days I’m totally into studying ‘Inni-eo’, so every day has been such a joy!
Honestly, the reason I started learning another country’s language is thanks to a cute friend named ‘Qila’ I met while filming cozy, healing game videos for YouTube.
Qila also introduced me to friends named Adipp, Moen, and Togi, and before I knew it, I was surrounded by Indonesian friends.
On top of that, I’ve gotten to know other subscriber friends too, and it’s become such a genuinely happy and precious experience for me.
In Indonesia, more than 90% of the population is said to believe in one religion (Islam).
Among this religion’s rules, I especially liked the part about ‘avoiding provocative behavior’.
Even when you’re on YouTube, the standards are strict enough that there can be legal consequences for sharing sexually suggestive media or stories.
Korea is similar, but Indonesia feels even more peaceful and wholesome, and I really love that.
These days I’m doing a media detox—avoiding excessive stimulation and practicing a healthier cultural life.
Even on the street, you hardly see overly revealing clothing, and it feels healthier from a brain-science perspective too.
The food is generally less salty and less spicy, and the street atmosphere is calm and unhurried… it’s pure healing.
So I’ve been liking Indonesia more and more, and naturally I started learning Indonesian too.
When I first started taking classes, the pace was so fast I almost teared up…!
Still, my skills improved quickly, so that was a nice upside in its own way, haha.
The word that fascinated me most in Indonesian is ‘Selamat’.
It carries congratulations, positivity, and good meaning!
- Selamat = Congratulations
- Selamat pagi = Good morning! (06:00–11:00)
- Selamat siang = Good afternoon! (11:00–15:00)
- Selamat sore = Good late afternoon! (15:00–18:00)
- Selamat malam = Good evening / Good night! (18:00–)
When you put ‘Selamat’ in front like this, it feels like you’re instantly getting a burst of good energy.
These days, when I do affirmations, I add Indonesian phrases too—“Thank you (Terima kasih)” and “I love you (Cinta kamu)”!
It feels a bit similar to English, and the grammar is simple, so it’s really easy to learn.
(Everyday words)
- Aku = me
- Kamu = you
(Between close friends)
- Gua = me
- Lu = you
Sometimes when I say “Gua~” to Qila, she finds it so fascinating—and laughs a lot too.
In Korean, it’s kind of like saying, “This humble me~ did this,” maybe?
Maybe it’s like when a foreigner suddenly says, “I did this~ how was it for you~?” in a goofy way.
It makes us feel even closer, and it’s honestly so funny and cute, right?
Recently, I even made a video out of a conversation Qila and I had in Indonesian in YouTube comments!
Yesterday, I finally told Qila in Indonesian, “Kamu imut!” (You’re cute), and I felt proud all day long.
kamu imut = You’re cute
If you add ‘banget’ to the end of a word, it means “really” or “so.”
For example, “Aku lucu banget” means “I’m really funny!”
The more I learn Indonesian, the more fascinating and fun moments keep pouring in.
I have an online Indonesian class again tomorrow, so today—since a new book just arrived—I’m going to practice even harder!
If you’re thinking about taking on a new language, I really recommend Indonesian.
It’s so easy, and it’s a language that makes you happy as you learn it.
Thanks for reading! Selamat belajar! (Happy studying!)
