2torial #0828: Learn2 Get By in Indonesian (continued) Forms of address Indonesians have a strong sense of social hierarchy, evident in the Indonesian language's many forms of addressing people. Each address corresponds to a hierarchical level, so it's a good idea to listen first to a native speaker address someone; addresses improperly used may cause offense. "Bapak" or "pak" is the most common form of address for an adult male, much like "mister" or "sir" in English. The terms mean "father," and the "k" is prounounced very softly. "Ibu" is used for addressing all women, particularly married and older women. Indonesians tend to call people by their first names rather than last names. Hence it's common to hear "Pak John" or "Ibu Janet." "Anda" is the formal term for "you." Use this form of the second-person singular with people you are meeting for the first time, people older than you and professional superiors. "Kamu" also means "you," but it is used only in informal situations. Used when addressing close friends or children, it is similar to the "tu" form in most Romance languages. If there is any doubt about the appropriate phrase to use, use "anda." Indonesians often address foreigners as "tuan" (sir), "nyonya" (madam) or "nona" (miss). While Indonesians may do so, you should not use these forms of address yourself. The following two words are Javanese in origin, and their use outside Java is limited: "Mas" (older brother) and "mbak" (older sister) are polite forms of address for someone younger than you or of the same age. The terms are commonly used in Java to address wait and shop staff and connote social inferiority.   Step 4