French word

indonésien

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃donezjɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounIndonesian

Example

J'apprends l'indonésien.

I am learning Indonesian.

Illustration for indonésien (Indonesian)

More examples

Il parle couramment l'indonésien.

He speaks Indonesian fluently.

Core concept

A common Austronesian language serving as a communication bridge among the peoples of an archipelago.

Common phrases

  • parler indonésien

    speak Indonesian

  • apprendre l'indonésien

    learn Indonesian

  • un cours d'indonésien

    an Indonesian course

Similar words

bahasa Indonesia: Indonesia's local name for its official language.
malais: Malay as spoken in Malaysia and surrounding areas.
Indonésie: A Southeast Asian country.

Definition in French

Langue officielle de l'Indonésie, issue de la famille austronésienne et utilisée comme lingua franca entre communautés.

Word origin

French formed indonésien from the place name Indonésie by adding -ien, a suffix that forms place-related words and names for inhabitants or things associated with a place.

Usage tips

  • Indonésien can also be an adjective or a person noun, so context distinguishes Indonesian from an Indonesian person.

Related words

Word lists with this word