How to talk with a domestic helper who speaks another language
In short
Short sentences, one task at a time, and exact times and quantities do more for understanding than any vocabulary list. Check that your meaning landed, and write down anything to do with medicine or safety.
Seven habits that make the biggest difference
- One task per sentence. “Wash up, pick up the kids, then mop” is three instructions. Say them separately.
- Use exact times and numbers. “At three” beats “later”; “two tablets” beats “some”.
- Check what was understood. Ask your helper to say it back in their own words. That is the only reliable check, with or without a translator.
- Skip idioms and sarcasm. “Don’t sweat it” or “that’ll do” rarely survive translation.
- Write down what matters. Medicines, doses, allergies and emergency numbers belong on a bilingual note on the fridge.
- Ask rather than assume. Many Indonesian helpers are Muslim and pray at set times or fast during Ramadan; many Filipino helpers attend church on their day off. Habits differ, so ask.
- Agree on names. Helpers often call employers Ibu or Bapak (Indonesian) or Ma’am and Sir. Pick consistent names for everyone in the house.
Everyday phrases in Indonesian and Tagalog
Both languages use the Latin alphabet and are mostly read as written. Adding ya at the end of an Indonesian sentence softens it, a bit like “okay?”.
| English | Indonesian | Tagalog |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning. | Selamat pagi. | Magandang umaga. |
| Have you eaten? | Kamu sudah makan? | Kumain ka na ba? |
| Please say that again. | Tolong ulangi sekali lagi. | Pakiulit nga. |
| Please bring in the laundry. | Tolong angkat jemuran. | Pakikuha na ang mga sinampay. |
| Cook dinner for three people. | Masak makan malam untuk tiga orang. | Magluto ng hapunan para sa tatlong tao. |
| It's time for the medicine. | Sudah waktunya minum obat. | Oras na para uminom ng gamot. |
| Where does it hurt? | Bagian mana yang sakit? | Saan masakit? |
| Tomorrow is your day off. | Besok hari libur kamu. | Bukas ang day off mo. |
| Thank you for your hard work today. | Terima kasih, kamu sudah bekerja keras hari ini. | Salamat sa sipag mo ngayong araw. |
Questions
Will my helper find a translator app rude?
Usually the opposite. Most helpers already use phone translation, and clear instructions mean fewer misunderstandings for both of you.
Should I learn their language?
A few phrases go a long way and show respect. For anything detailed, a translator built for household talk is more reliable than half-remembered vocabulary.