Flirting

1. Buliah ambo bakenalan?

   May I get to know you?

   Usage

   A polite way to start an introduction; keep a respectful distance, especially with the opposite sex

   Grammar Note

   "Bakenalan" is a loan; "ba-" corresponds to "ber-". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

2. Sanak tingga di dima?

   Where do you live?

   Usage

   A mild small-talk question about where someone lives

   Grammar Note

   "Tingga" is to live or stay (the dictionary points "tinggal" to it); "sanak" is the address term. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

3. Ambo sanang basuo jo sanak

   I am happy to meet you

   Usage

   A friendly line when meeting someone for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Basuo" is to meet (in the dictionary), "sanang" is glad and "jo" is with. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

4. Buliah kito makan basamo?

   Shall we eat together?

   Usage

   A friendly invitation to eat together; sharing a meal is a gesture of welcome in West Sumatra

   Grammar Note

   "Kito" is inclusive we and "basamo" is together. A word for "dinner" was not verified, so it invites to a meal in general. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

5. Buliah kito basuo bisuak?

   Can we meet again tomorrow?

   Usage

   Proposes to meet again tomorrow

   Grammar Note

   "Bisuak" is tomorrow and "basuo" is to meet. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

6. Ambo indak nio, tarimo kasih

   No thank you, I am not interested

   Usage

   Politely turns down an unwanted invitation

   Grammar Note

   "Indak nio" is not wanting; adding "tarimo kasih" softens it. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

7. Tolong jan gaduah ambo

   Please do not bother me

   Usage

   A clear request to someone who keeps bothering you

   Grammar Note

   "Gaduah" is glossed as "ganggu" (disturb) in the dictionary with an example; "jan" expresses prohibition. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

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