Learning how to express positive sentiments such as “good” in different languages allows us to connect with people from different cultures and establish a deeper understanding. In this guide, we will explore how to say “good” in Indonesian, providing formal and informal variations along with useful tips and examples. Whether you’re planning a trip to Indonesia or simply want to expand your linguistic knowledge, this guide will help you learn to say “good” like a native.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Good” in Indonesian
1. “Bagus” – This is the most common way to say “good” in formal Indonesian. It can be used to describe various things, such as a good book (“Buku yang bagus”) or good weather (“Cuaca yang bagus”).
2. “Baik” – Similar to “bagus,” “baik” also means “good.” It can be used to describe a person’s behavior or character, such as “a good friend” (“teman yang baik”). It can also be used when expressing well wishes or saying goodbye, like “have a good day” (“selamat hari yang baik”) or “goodbye” (“selamat tinggal”).
3. “Hebat” – This word translates to “great” or “amazing” in English. It is often used to express admiration or praise for someone’s achievements, such as “good job” (“kerja yang hebat”) or “you did great” (“kamu hebat”).
Informal Ways to Say “Good” in Indonesian
1. “Mantap” – This word is commonly used in informal situations to mean “good” or “awesome.” It can be used to express agreement, approval, or excitement, similar to saying “cool” or “awesome” in English. For example, “That’s a good idea!” can be translated as “Idea yang mantap!”.
2. “Oke” – Similar to the English word “okay,” “oke” is a versatile term used to express agreement or approval, indicating that something is good. For instance, when someone asks if you’re ready, you can respond with “Oke!” or “Yes, I’m good to go!”.
Common Phrases and Examples Using “Good”
1. Good morning – Selamat pagi
When greeting someone in the morning, you can say “Selamat pagi!” to wish them a good morning.
2. Good evening – Selamat malam
To wish someone a good evening, say “Selamat malam!” when it’s getting dark or upon meeting them in the evening.
3. Good night – Selamat tidur
When saying good night to someone, use “Selamat tidur!” to wish them a good sleep.
4. Good luck – Semoga sukses
If you want to wish someone good luck, say “Semoga sukses!” to convey your hopes for their success.
5. Good job – Kerja yang bagus
To compliment someone’s work, you can say “Kerja yang bagus!” to acknowledge their good job or effort.
Tips for Using “Good” Appropriately
1. Pay attention to context – The appropriateness of using different terms for “good” depends on the context. Use the formal variations when speaking to older individuals, authority figures, or in formal settings.
2. Use appropriate body language – Gestures such as smiling or nodding while saying “good” in Indonesian can enhance positive communication.
3. Practice pronunciation – Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of each word to ensure effective communication. Listening to native speakers or using language-learning resources can help improve your pronunciation.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “good” in Indonesian is a valuable skill for engaging with Indonesian speakers and immersing yourself in Indonesian culture. Understanding different variations and contexts in which to use these words will help you communicate effectively and build connections with native speakers. Remember to use the formal or informal variations appropriately, based on the situation. With practice and a positive attitude, you will soon become proficient in expressing “good” in Indonesian!
