2 days ago
Balinese for Sorry – How to Say Ampura Right
🪷 Balinese for Sorry – By Giostanovlatto Founder Hey Bali
When visiting Bali, it's easy to be captivated by the rice fields, sunsets, and the sweet sound of gamelan. But under all that beauty lies a deeply spiritual culture with unspoken rules. Break them—knowingly or not—and you might find yourself in need of one powerful word: Ampura.
In Balinese, 'Ampura' means 'sorry.' But it's more than just a translation—it's a cultural lifeline. One misstep around a temple, or accidentally stepping on an offering ( canang sari ), and you'll understand why this word is essential in your Bali vocabulary.
There are countless tourist blunders that can be smoothed over with a sincere 'Ampura' and a respectful gesture (hands pressed together in a sembah ). Like the time a tourist tried to take a selfie inside a cremation temple. Or when a Russian tourist trampled six offerings during a melasti procession. Spoiler: 'Oops' doesn't cut it. 'Ampura,' on the other hand, might just save your soul—and your spot on the next airport shuttle.
For deeper offenses, like mocking sacred masks or interrupting ceremonies, there's also 'Nyanggra titiang', which means 'I humbly ask forgiveness.' Think of it as the spiritual nuclear option.
In Bali, apologies aren't just spoken—they're shown. A simple 'Ampura' without the right body language may come off as hollow. That's why a small bow, a sembah , and real eye contact can go a long way. Locals appreciate effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.
Not all sorries are created equal. In different regions or levels of formality, you might also hear: Nunas Ampura – used for priests or elders. Extra respectful.
– used for priests or elders. Extra respectful. Lakar Nyeneng – casual 'my bad' for marketplace clumsiness.
– casual 'my bad' for marketplace clumsiness. Punapi Malih? – North Bali's dramatic 'what have I done?!'
Master these and you'll sound less like a clueless tourist and more like an honorary local anthropologist.
Respecting local customs isn't just about avoiding side-eye. It builds connection. And when you show humility in the face of a cultural mistake, Balinese people respond with warmth, laughter, and sometimes… holy water.
So next time you're in Bali and find yourself in a sticky cultural moment, don't panic. Just breathe, bow slightly, and say it like you mean it: 'Ampura.'
🔗 Want the full guide with examples, funny tourist fails, and pronunciation tips?
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