selamat
/səˈlamat/
In Indonesian, the word for congratulations is selamat.
The word selamat is used to express approbation, such as saying congratulations. However, it is a versatile term that can also express wishes for safety, well-being or be used to say 'happy' in common greetings like Selamat pagi (Good morning). To congratulate someone on a specific accomplishment, you should use the phrase Selamat atas [achievement].
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'congratulations' is a plural noun, Indonesian does not require you to pluralize selamat to express the same sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
To follow the pattern for specific congratulations, use Selamat atas… to mean 'Congratulations on…'.
How do you pronounce it?
/səˈlamat/
Did you know?
- In traditional Indonesian culture, saying selamat during a celebration is often accompanied by a 'salim', where a younger person touches the elder's hand to their own forehead.
- The word selamat is derived from the Arabic word salāmāt, which is the plural form of salām meaning 'peace'.
- The Javanese version of the word, slamet, is used to describe a specific type of traditional ritual or ceremony intended to bring peace and safety to a community.
Examples in context
- Selamat, Anda memenangkan undian!Congratulations, you won the lottery!This sentence shows how to use selamat to congratulate someone on a lottery win.Tatoeba #11062752 by HAGNi, translation #10040311 by espamatics
- Selamat! Anda baru saja memenangkan satu juta dolar!Congratulations! You've just won a million dollars!This sentence uses selamat to congratulate someone on winning a million dollars.Tatoeba #11765832 by Pacific, translation #11765830 by CK
- Dengan prestasi itu, kamu sudah melampaui dirimu sendiri. Selamat!With that performance, you have surpassed yourself. Congratulations!This sentence shows how to use selamat to congratulate someone for surpassing their own performance.Tatoeba #5160986 by Bilmanda, translation #4877580 by jshholland
- Selamat atas pencapaianmu!Congratulations on your achievement!
- Selamat atas kelulusan kamu!Congratulations on your graduation!
- Anda telah mencapai prestasi yang luar biasa.You have achieved an outstanding accomplishment.
- Mantap, kamu berhasil!Amazing, you did it!
- Hebat, kamu juara pertama!Great job, you're the first-place winner!
- Keren abis, kamu dapat beasiswa!Super cool, you got a scholarship!
- Selamat dan semoga sukses selaluCongratulations and may success be with you always
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sari and Rian meet at a cafe to celebrate Rian's new job.
- SariSelamat atas pekerjaan barunya, Rian!Congratulations on your new job, Rian!
- RianTerima kasih banyak, Sari.Thank you very much, Sari.
- SariAku sangat bangga padamu.I am very proud of you.
- RianKamu sangat baik.You are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations and entries selamat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries selamat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
