Compliments

1. Sanak baiak bana

   You are very kind

   Usage

   A compliment after someone has been kind; "sanak" is a respectful way to address a person

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses "baiak" as good, fitting, not bad; "bana" corresponds to Indonesian "sekali" (very). This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

2. Makanannyo lamak bana

   The food is delicious

   Usage

   Praise for a meal or a restaurant; it pleases the cook when said directly

   Grammar Note

   "Lamak" means delicious; the dictionary example is "samba dendeang tu lamak bana". It is not Indonesian "lemak" (fatty). "Makanannyo" is makan (eat) + -an + -nyo (the)

3. Sumatera Barat rancak bana

   West Sumatra is so beautiful

   Usage

   Praise for the scenery or the region; locals appreciate it

   Grammar Note

   "Rancak" means beautiful or good and is in the dictionary. The place name follows the sign spelling. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

4. Urang Minang baiak ati bana

   Minangkabau people are very friendly

   Usage

   Praises the kindness of local people; "urang Minang" means Minangkabau people

   Grammar Note

   "Baiak ati" (kind-hearted, ati = heart) appears in the dictionary. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

5. Ambo suko Sumatera Barat

   I like West Sumatra

   Usage

   Tells people you like the region you are visiting

   Grammar Note

   "Suko" means to like (Indonesian "suka", final a becomes o). This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

6. Rancak bana!

   Wonderful!

   Usage

   An exclamation of delight at a view, a dish or an event

   Grammar Note

   "Rancak bana" is "very nice". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

7. Cadiak bana

   Very clever

   Usage

   Praise for cleverness; works for children and adults

   Grammar Note

   "Cadiak" is glossed in the dictionary as quick to understand; it is the traditional Minangkabau word for clever, not Indonesian "pintar". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

8. Tarimo kasih bana untuak bantuannyo

   Thank you very much for your help

   Usage

   Thanks after receiving help, for example directions

   Grammar Note

   "Untuak" means for

9. Ambo sanang bana di siko

   I am very happy here

   Usage

   Says you feel happy where you are

   Grammar Note

   "Sanang" is in the dictionary; "di siko" means here. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

Browse all TravelPhrases languages