NINNA.ID –When you travel to a new place, what do you hope for? Most of us want more than just sightseeing—we want to connect. To feel like we belong, even if just for a moment. And there’s no better way to feel that connection than by speaking the local language, even just a few words.
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Toba, especially to Samosir Island, learning a bit of Batak Toba language can open doors you never knew existed. Whether it’s making new friends, joining a local celebration, or getting insider prices at a market stall, language bridges the gap.
As someone who has guided travelers from around the world through these landscapes and stories, I’ve seen firsthand how a simple word—said with heart—can spark joy and deep connection.
Here are some words and phrases that you can try on your next visit, along with tips from my own experiences as a local guide:
- Horas!This is the magic word. “Horas” means hello, welcome, good health, and even goodbye. Say it with a smile and the palms of your hands together, and you’ll see faces light up.📍 Guide tip: I always tell my guests to say it loudly and proudly—it’s a sign of respect and good energy!
For example, when you meet someone in the Lake Toba area especially in Samosir, you can greet them by pressing your hands together like a flight attendant and saying, “Horas!”
If you’re entering a house and someone greets you, you can also respond with “Horas!” Don’t be surprised if they say it back—it means hello or wishing you good health.
- Boha kabar?
This means “How are you?” It is similar to the Indonesian phrase “Apa kabar?” People usually reply with “Sehat” (healthy) if they are well, or “Hurang sehat” if they are not feeling well.
- Beta!
This means “Let’s go!” It is often used when inviting someone to go somewhere or do something together. For example, if you are traveling, you can say:
- Beta tu Aek Rangat! (Let’s go to Aek Rangat!)
- Beta marfoto! (Let’s take a picture!)
- Boru aha hamu?
In Batak culture, knowing someone’s marga or boru (clan) is the first step to understanding your relationship. It’s also a fun way for travelers to feel like part of the family.
Clan
When Batak meet one another, their first question usually is, “Which clan do you belong to?” They then quickly work out just how closely they are related.
You can say your clan Hutabarat. Hutabarat is one of clan if literally translated as west village. Just say that to make them fun (as a joke) that you are being part of Batak community.
💡 Fun moment: Sometimes, I joke with my guests to pick a clan name like Hutabarat—meaning ‘west village’—and the locals play along. It always sparks laughter!
My name is Irina= Goarhu Irina
My clan is Hutabarat=Boru Hutabarat
A woman and man have the same clan often consider as siblings. So, both them can’t marry one another.
For men, the question would be “Marga aha hamu?” (What is your surname?)
- Ise goarmu?
This means, “What is your name?” However, in Batak Toba culture, it is considered impolite for younger people to directly ask an elder’s name. Instead, elders are usually referred to by their child’s name (e.g., “Omak ni si Tika” – Tika’s mother).
You can ask this question to someone the same as your age or younger.
- Aha do panjouan muna di huta on?
If you want to know the name of an older person in a respectful way, you can ask, “What do people call you in this village?”
- Aha?
This means “What?” It is different from the Indonesian exclamation “Aha!”
For example, “Aha do na masa?” means “What’s happening?” The Batak Toba people are known for their strong sense of community and often ask this when something unusual occurs.
- Boasa?
This means “Why?” You will hear this word often while interacting with the locals.
- Manat-manat da.
This means “Be careful.” You can say “Manat-manat hamu na da” (Be careful, everyone) when someone is crossing the road or carrying something heavy.
- Sai horasma na tading.
As mentioned earlier, “Horas” can also mean “stay healthy” or “goodbye.” Sai horasma na tading means “Goodbye” or “Stay healthy.”
Understanding Kinship (Partuturan)
If you want to integrate more deeply with the Batak Toba people, understanding their kinship system (partuturan) is essential. However, you must follow the correct cultural rules.
For example:
- If your surname (boru) is Sinaga and you meet a man with the same surname, you can call him Ito (if he is close in age to you).
- If he is older than your father, you should call him Bapa Tua.
- If he is younger than your father but older than you, call him Bapa Uda.
- For a woman with the same surname as you, you can call her Anggi (younger sister) or Kakak (older sister). If she is significantly older, call her Namboru.
- Tulang means “uncle” and refers to a man from your mother’s family. However, if you do not share a direct family connection with someone, you can still use “Tulang” as a respectful address.
There are many other kinship terms, but mastering just these basics will help you quickly build relationships with the locals in the Lake Toba region.
Kinship is everything here. You’ll hear people call each other Ito, Bapa Uda, Namboru, or Tulang—not just family, but social connections that tie communities together.
💬 On my cultural tours, I guide guests through these terms while we meet local families. Many are surprised at how easily they feel at home.
Let’s practicing!
Writer/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga – Your guide to culture, language, and life around Lake Toba.
