馃嚠馃嚛 Indonesian phrases

How to Say "Mother" in Indonesian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Ibu
"Mother" in Indonesian 路 say it like ee-boo

The most natural way to say "Mother" in Indonesian is Ibu. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Mama
more casual and affectionate term
Bunda
formal and endearing term, often used in literature

When to use it

Use 'Ibu' when addressing or referring to your mother in a respectful manner. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. 'Mama' is used in more casual settings, especially among younger people. 'Bunda' is often used in poetic or affectionate contexts.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Mother" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Indonesian

IndonesianEnglish
Ibu saya sangat baik.My mother is very kind.
Saya ingin memberi hadiah untuk Ibu.I want to give a gift to my mother.
Mama, bolehkah saya pergi keluar?Mom, may I go out?
Common mistake
Some learners might confuse 'Ibu' with 'Bunda', but they have different levels of formality.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ibu, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Indonesian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'Ibu' and 'Mama'?

'Ibu' is more formal, while 'Mama' is more casual and affectionate.

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