Directions

17 phrases · Balinese with romanization, English and audio

  1. Kaja

    Kaja (toward the mountains)

    Usage

    The direction toward the central mountains (Agung, Batur). It is roughly north in south Bali but south in Buleleng, so do not translate it as north.

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary says north or toward the mountains and notes it means south in Buleleng. It is a relative direction word, not a compass point.

  2. Kelod

    Kelod (toward the sea)

    Usage

    The direction away from the mountains, toward the sea; south in south Bali. If told to go kelod, head seaward.

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary says south or the direction away from the mountains; the opposite is kaja.

  3. Kangin

    Kangin (east)

    Usage

    East, where the sun rises; a sacred direction.

    Grammar Note

    East at the andap level in the dictionary; dangin is a variant. The opposite is kauh (west).

  4. Kauh

    Kauh (west)

    Usage

    West, where the sun sets.

    Grammar Note

    West at the andap level in the dictionary; the opposite is kangin (east).

  5. Kiwa

    Left

    Usage

    A single word to show a driver for left.

    Grammar Note

    Alus mider in the dictionary; the opposite is tengen (right). Kiwa also has a black-magic sense, but direction is the usual one.

  6. Tengen

    Right

    Usage

    A single word to show a driver for right.

    Grammar Note

    Alus mider in the dictionary (andap: kenawan); the opposite is kiwa (left).

  7. Lempeng

    Straight ahead

    Usage

    A single word for keep going without turning.

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary gives no definition but equates it with Indonesian lurus.

  8. Mawali

    Go back

    Usage

    A word for turning back.

    Grammar Note

    Root wali. The dictionary glosses it as going back to a previous step, at the alus mider level.

  9. Munggah

    Go up

    Usage

    A word to check an uphill path or stairs.

    Grammar Note

    An andap word in the dictionary (kasar: menek); the opposite is tuun.

  10. Tuun

    Go down

    Usage

    A word to check a downhill path or stairs.

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary says it means a planned descent and never means fall.

  11. Pempatan

    Intersection

    Usage

    A landmark word in directions.

    Grammar Note

    From the root pat (four); the dictionary defines it as a four-way crossing.

  12. Titiang kasasar

    I am lost

    Usage

    Said when lost, before asking for help.

    Grammar Note

    Kasasar is the dictionary word for lost; the prefix ka- marks a resulting state.

  13. Pura ring dija?

    Where is the temple?

    Usage

    Asking where the Hindu temple is.

    Grammar Note

    Pura is level-neutral. Every village has three: pura dalem, pura desa and pura puseh.

  14. Margi ka Ubud ring dija?

    Where is the road to Ubud?

    Usage

    A road-asking pattern; swap in another destination.

    Grammar Note

    Margi is alus mider for road (andap: jalan). The sentence is built from verified words.

  15. Joh saking driki?

    Is it far from here?

    Usage

    Checking the distance.

    Grammar Note

    Joh means far in the dictionary; doh is the andap synonym. Rising intonation makes it a question. The sentence is built from verified words.

  16. Paek saking driki

    It is near here

    Usage

    Saying it is close, or confirming an answer.

    Grammar Note

    Paek is the andap word for near (alus madya: tampek); the opposite is joh.

  17. Durusang mamargi lempeng

    Please go straight ahead

    Usage

    A polite instruction a local gives to you; the honorific is for the other person.

    Grammar Note

    Durusang is please go ahead. Mamargi is alus mider for walk or go. The sentence is built from verified words.

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