Bahasa Indonesia has influenced from numbers of languages such as Malay, Latin, English, Dutch, Sanskrit, and also Portuguese. The Portuguese language was used to trade throughout the archipelago from sixteenth century to early nineteen century. The Portuguese were one of westerners who sailed to Indonesia for spices. It is also recorded in Indonesian history that the Portuguese may have colonialized Indonesia for a short time before the Dutch colonialism.
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Due to the long history of the two countries, like it or not, Portuguese language do have a place in Bahasa Indonesia. Even most Indonesian do not actually realize that lots of common words are originated from Portuguese for example jendela, bendera, bola, bantal, and much more.
Portuguese Words in Indonesian Language
If you are wondering to what extent the loan words from Portugal enrich Bahasa Indonesia vocabulary, here are the list. Also learn Indonesian root words.
| Indonesia | Portuguese | English |
| Akta | Acta | Law act |
| Armada | Armada | Fleet |
| Algojo | Algoz | Executioner |
| Bangku | Banco | Bench, chair |
| Bantal | Avental | Pillow |
| Belanda | Holanda | Holland, Dutch |
| Baret | Barette | Barette |
| Bendera | Bandeira | Flag |
| Beranda | Veranda | Verandah |
| Bola | Bola | Ball |
| Biola | Viola | Violin |
| Bolu (kue) | Balo | A kind of pound cake |
| Boneka | Boneca | Doll |
| Cerutu | Charuto | Cigar |
| Dansa | Dança | Dance |
| Dadu | Dado | Dice |
| Frambus | Framboesa | Raspberry |
| Gagu | Gago | Stutter |
| Ganco | Gancho | Hook |
| Gereja | Igreja | Church |
| Garpu | Garfo | Fork |
| Gratis | Free things | Gratis |
| Gardu | Guarga | Watch post |
| Gubernur | Governador | Governor |
| Jendela | Janela | Window |
| Kaldu | Caldo | Broth |
| Kantin | Cantina | Canteen |
| Kanal | Canal | Channel |
| Keju | Queijo | Cheese |
| Kemeja | Camisa | Shirt |
| Kereta | Carrreta | Cart/chariot |
| Kertas | Cartas | Paper |
| Kredo | Credo | Creed |
| Lemari | Armărio | Closet |
| Lelang | Leilão | Auction |
| Mentega | Manteiga | Butter |
| Meja | Mesa | Table |
| Misa | Missa | Mass |
| Minggu | Domingo | Sunday |
| Mitos | Mitos | Myth |
| Natal | Natal | Christmas |
| Nanas | Ananas | Pineapple |
| Nona | Dona | Young lady |
| Noda | Nodoa | Stain |
| Nyonya | Donha | Lady |
| Pasta | Pasta | Paste |
| Pesta | Festa | Party |
| Pesiar | Passear | Excursion, cruise |
| Pita | Fita | Ribbon |
| Pigura | Figura | Picture frame |
| Pompa | Bomba hidráulica | Pump |
| Roda | Roda | Wheel |
| Santo | Santo | Saint |
| Saku | Saco | |
| Sepatu | Sapato | Shoe |
| Sekolah | Escola | School |
| Serdadu | Soldado | Soldier |
| Tenda | Tenda | Tent |
| Tempo | Tempo | Time |
| Terigu | Trigo | Flour |
| Tolol | Tolo | Fool |
| Tinta | Tinta | Ink |
| Tukar | Trocar | Exchange |
| Topik | Tópico | Topic |
It is indeed surprising that lots of Indonesian words are actually originated from the Portuguese exactly in the same form or with small adjustment. You may have used those words for everyday conversation without you even knowing the origin. Well, now that you do know the origin of the words, it surely increases your vocabulary. Also Learn Indonesian words similar to English.
Any language in the world should adapt and borrow from other language to enrich its vocabularies. Bahasa Indonesia can be considered as a rich vocabulary language because it has many influences from other languages. The loan words are then adjust to Indonesian dialect, so, the people will easily pronounce it. Also learn Indonesian words with no equivalent to English. Thus, may the article about Portuguese words in Indonesian language will help you learn well and speak Indonesian fluently.