Iban phrasebook Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Iban (jaku Iban) is a tribal language of western Borneo, spoken in Malaysia's state of Sarawak, the Indonesian state of West Kalimantan, and Brunei. There are many dialects; this phrasebook uses the Kuching dialect.

Basic Iban grammar is easy to study. Some of the grammar is closely related to Malay grammar. Word order is verb-object-subject.

I read a book

"Macha bup aku"

Adjectives are placed after the verb

Macha bup aku

Another example:

I'm go shopping with my friend

"Raun enggau bala bakih ke pasar aku"

I search for something

" Ngigak utai aku tok"

I'm so tired

" Lelak mai aku"

Some phrases in this phrasebook still need to be translated. If you know anything about this language, you can help by plunging forward and translating a phrase.

• Aku - I
• Nuan/Dek - You
• Aok - Yes
• Ndak - No
• Iti - Piece
• Aku Kak Ngenak Jamban Dulok - I Would Like To Go To The Toilet
• Nuan/Dek Ari Dini? - Where Are You From?
• Nyamai Mai Utai Empak Tuk - This Food Is Quite Tasty
• Aku Mupok Dulok - I'd Like To Make A Move

Hello.

. ( )

Hello. (informal)

. ( )

How are you?

? ( Nama brita nuan?)

Fine, thank you.

. (Manah )

What is your name?

? ( Sapa nama nuan?)

My name is ______ .

______ . ( _____ .)

Nice to meet you.

. (Manah begulai enggau dik )

Please.

. (Bah )

Thank you.

. (Terima Kasih )

You're welcome.

. (Sama-sama )

Yes.

. (aok )

No.

. ( enda)

Excuse me. (getting attention)

. ( )

Excuse me. (begging pardon)

. ( )

I'm sorry.

. ( Minta ampun)

Goodbye

. ( Selamat Jalai)

Goodbye (informal)

. ( )

I can't speak Iban [well].

[ ]. ( enda nemu jako ?????? [])

Do you speak English?

? ( ?)

Is there someone here who speaks English?

? ( bisi urang nemu jako English ditu?)

Help!

! ( Tulung!)

Look out!

! ( Berjimat!)

Good morning.

. (Selamat pagi )

Good evening.

. (Selamat lemai )

Good night.

. ( )

Good night (to sleep)

. ( )

I don't understand.

. ( endak nemu aku)

Where is the toilet?

? ( Dini jamban )

Pukul brapa diatu?

red

(mirah)

black

(celum)

white

(burak)