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

Vowels

Consonants

Common diphthongs

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. 

. ( )

Thank you. 

. ( )

You're welcome. 

. ( )

Yes. 

. (ao )

No. 

. ( enda)

Excuse me. (getting attention) 

. ( )

Excuse me. (begging pardon) 

. ( )

I'm sorry. 

. ( )

Goodbye 

. ( )

Goodbye (informal) 

. ( )

I can't speak name of language [well]. 

[ ]. ( enda nemu jako name of language ])

Do you speak English? 

? ( ?)

Is there someone here who speaks English? 

? ( bisi urang nemu jako English ditu?)

Help! 

! ( !)

Look out! 

! ( !)

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?

Days

Months

Colors

red

(mirah)

black

(celum)

white

(burak)

Transportation

Bus and train

Directions

dictionary

Learning more