START SPEAKINGBasic Sundanese Phrases for Everyday Conversation
These phrase patterns are designed for immediate use. Say them aloud, replace one detail at a time, and notice which forms are polite and which are casual.
Related guides: Sundanese greetings, Sundanese travel phrases, and Sundanese pronunciation.
Essential replies and polite requests
These short expressions carry a surprising amount of everyday conversation. Many have a polite form and a casual form, so learn both and pick the one that fits the person you are talking to.
Getting to know someone
Sundanese often leaves out information that is already clear from context. The small word mah marks the topic, so Ngaran urang mah Ana is close to As for my name, it is Ana. Learn the full beginner pattern first, then notice how speakers shorten it naturally.
Saha ngaran manéh?
What is your name?Ngaran urang mah Ana. Ari manéh?
My name is Ana. And you?Ngaran urang mah Marco. Manéh ti mana?
My name is Marco. Where are you from?Urang ti Bandung.
I am from Bandung.Useful sentence frames
Frames let you create dozens of sentences without starting from zero. Replace the word in brackets with a place, object, or activity that matters to you.
Make the phrases yours
Say each frame three times with a different detail.
- Ask for two foods and one drink.
- Ask where three places are.
- Introduce yourself without reading.
Basic Sundanese phrases FAQ
What Sundanese phrases should a beginner learn first?
Start with greetings, polite replies such as punten and mangga, repair phrases such as Tiasa diulang deui?, and sentence frames for your most common situations.
When should I use polite words?
Use polite (lemes) forms with elders, strangers, and in formal settings. With friends and younger people, casual (loma) forms are normal. When you are unsure, start polite.
What is the difference between nuhun and hatur nuhun?
Both mean thanks. Hatur nuhun is the polite form and nuhun is the casual short form. Add pisan to either one to say thanks a lot.
References and free Sundanese resources
Use this article as a practical starting point, then verify vocabulary, explore the grammar in depth, and compare what you hear from proficient speakers in your community.