Rahajeng wengi
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Balinese as Rahajeng wengi.
The phrase is used as a farewell.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of rahajeng, meaning good or prosperous and wengi, meaning night.
Which one should you use?
While Rahajeng can be used alone to mean "good" or as a general greeting, Rahajeng wengi is the specific phrase used for "good night".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Rahajeng wengi is the formal and polite way to say good night in Balinese.
Did you know?
- Balinese has different levels of speech called 'Basa', and rahajeng wengi belongs to the 'Basa Alus' or high language used for strangers and elders.
- In Balinese culture, a farewell like rahajeng wengi is often accompanied by a slight nod or a press of the palms together in a gesture called 'sembah'.
- The word rahajeng is actually a linguistic sibling to the Old Javanese word rahajĕṅ, meaning 'beautiful' or 'right'.
Examples in context
- Rahajeng wengi, Ibu.Good night, Mother.
Example conversation
Made and Kadek are saying goodbye before going to sleep.
- MadeTiang sirep dumun, Kadek.I am going to sleep now, Kadek.
- KadekNggih, Made. Rahajeng wengi.Yes, Made. Good night.
- MadeRahajeng wengi taler.Good night to you too.
- KadekSuksma, Made.Thank you, Made.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rahajeng, CC BY-SA 4.0.
