Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day (Hari Valentine) approaches. As is the case in many countries all around the world, February 14th is a day for couples to show their love and singles to be miserable. In Indonesia, it’s common for guys to take their girlfriend (pacar) out on a date (kencan). Common gifts include: chocolate (cokelat), candy (permen), roses (mawar), or a teddy bear (boneka beruang). It’s a day to hold your sweetheart (sayang) close, give them a big hug (pelukan) and a kiss (cium), and say those magic words – “I love you” (Aku cinta kamu).

Not sure how to express your feelings for someone in Indonesian? Don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered. Here are some useful phrases for flirting, asking someone out, and getting serious in Indonesian:

Flirting

You’re cute.

Kamu imut.

You’re beautiful.

Kamu cantik.

You’re handsome.

Kamu ganteng/tampan.

You have beautiful eyes.

Mata kamu indah/bagus.

You have a beautiful smile.

Senyum kamu indah.

Asking Someone Out

Can I have your phone number?

Boleh minta nomor telepon kamu?

Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?

(Apakah) Kamu punya pacar?

Are you free tonight?

(Apakah) Kamu ada waktu malam ini?

Do you want to go out with me?

Mau pergi dengan saya?

Starting a Relationship

I really like you.

Saya/aku sangat menyukaimu.

You make me happy.

Kamu membuat saya bahagia.

I want to be with you.

Saya/aku ingin bersama kamu.

Do you want to be my girlfriend/boyfriend?

Apakah kamu mau jadi pacarku?

Taking it to the Next Level

I love you.

Aku cinta kamu (informal)/ Saya cinta kamu (formal).

I want to be with you forever.

Aku ingin bersamamu selamanya.

Will you marry me?

Apakah kamu mau menikah denganku?

Remember that in Indonesian, there are many words used as personal pronouns. While “saya” is the more formal version of “I/me,” when talking to a boyfriend/girlfriend, it’s more likely you’ll use the informal “aku” instead. If you’re dating, formalities should no longer be necessary. It should also be noted that the word “pacar” means both “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.”

Here’s the Valentine’s Day vocabulary for you in English and Indonesian to study.

• Valentine’s Day – Hari Valentine
• chocolate – cokelat
• candy – permen
• rose – mawar
• teddy bear – boneka beruang
• boyfriend/girlfriend – pacar
• lover – kekasih
• sweetheart – sayang
• date – kencan
• hug – pelukan
• kiss – cium
• love – cinta
• romance – asmara
• Cupid – Dewa Asmara

To really get in the mood for Valentine’s Day and practice your Indonesian at the same time, why not watch some of these Indonesian songs on YouTube?