selamat pagi
/səlamat paɡi/
The English phrase "good morning" is translated into Malay as selamat pagi.
selamat pagi is used when seeing someone for the first time in the morning. You can also add the word salam before it to say "Greetings, good morning" by using the phrase Salam, Selamat Pagi.
Meaning: when seeing someone for the first time in the morning (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of selamat meaning "safe" or "blessed" and pagi meaning "morning".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word selamat serves as a prefix for various time-based greetings in Malay, such as selamat petang (good afternoon) or selamat malam (good night).
How do you pronounce it?
/səlamat paɡi/
When do people say it?
In Malay culture, "good morning" is typically used from early morning until midday.
Did you know?
- In professional or formal settings, saying selamat pagi is often accompanied by a salam, a traditional gesture where people lightly touch hands and then bring their hand to their chest.
- The word selamat in selamat pagi shares a common root with the Arabic word for 'peace' and 'safety', specifically salāma.
- In very casual settings among friends, the formal selamat pagi is often dropped entirely in favor of a simple 'hey' or a question about whether the person has eaten yet.
Examples in context
- Selamat pagi, semua.Good morning, everyone.
- Selamat pagi, cikgu.Good morning, teacher.
Example conversation
Hafiz and Aishah meet at a coffee shop early in the morning.
- HafizSelamat pagi, Aishah.Good morning, Aishah.
- AishahSelamat pagi, Hafiz.Good morning, Hafiz.
- HafizAwak mahu minum kopi?Do you want to drink coffee?
- AishahYa, saya mahu satu.Yes, I want one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good morning” translations and entries selamat pagi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagi, selamat, selamat pagi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
