Rahajeng peteng
Rahajeng peteng is the Balinese way to say good evening.
Meaning: greeting said in the evening (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Rahajeng means good or prosperous, and peteng means dark or night.
Which one should you use?
While Rahajeng peteng is used for the evening, you should use Rahajeng semeng if you are greeting someone in the morning.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Rahajeng peteng is a formal way to greet someone in the evening. You may also use the formal phrase Selamat Sonten to say good evening.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Karangasem, the phrase Rahajeng Sonten is used to mean pleasant evening.
Did you know?
- Balinese has a complex social register system, and using the formal Rahajeng peteng is essential when speaking to elders or people of higher caste to show respect.
- The word rahajeng is a linguistic cousin to the Old Javanese word for 'beautiful', showing that in Balinese, a 'good' greeting carries a sense of aesthetic perfection.
- While Rahajeng peteng is common, the word rahajeng is also used to wish someone a safe journey or a prosperous life, extending beyond a simple greeting.
Examples in context
- Selamat Sonten, Pak!Good evening, Sir!
- Rahajeng peteng.Good evening.
- Rahajeng peteng buat semeton sami.Good evening to everyone.
- Matur suksma, Rahajeng peteng.Thank you, good evening.
Example conversation
Nyoman and Putu meet at a community gathering.
- NyomanRahajeng peteng, Putu.Good evening, Putu.
- PutuRahajeng peteng, Nyoman.Good evening, Nyoman.
- NyomanKuda kabar?How are you?
- PutuBecik-becik manten.I am doing well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries peteng, rahajeng, CC BY-SA 4.0.
