Iban phrasebook

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.

Pronunciation guide

grammar

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"

Phrase list

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.

Basics

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 )

Clock time

Pukul brapa diatu?

Months

Colors

red

(mirah)

black

(celum)

white

(burak)

Learning more

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