senang
/səˈnaŋ/
The English word 'happy' is translated into Indonesian as senang.
senang is used to describe being pleased, glad or contented, often in response to a specific event or situation.
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
Which one should you use?
While senang refers to being pleased or having a good time, bahagia is used to describe a deeper, more profound state of being, such as long-term happiness or bliss. If you wish to suggest a deeper sense of joy, you might use gembira.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express being unhappy or displeased, place tidak before senang to form tidak senang.
How do you pronounce it?
/səˈnaŋ/
Did you know?
- The word senang originally meant 'easy' in Malay. Over time, the meaning shifted from an easy or effortless state to the feeling of being pleased or content.
- In certain contexts, senang can be used to express that someone 'likes' or 'enjoys' a particular activity, acting more like a verb than a descriptive adjective.
- The use of senang to mean 'happy' is believed to be a semantic loan from the Betawi or Javanese languages.
Examples in context
- Saya senang berada disini.I'm happy to be here.This sentence shows how to use senang to express being happy in a location.Tatoeba #2767416 by deel, translation #1556653 by Scott
- Saya senang bisa membantu.I'm happy I could help.This sentence uses senang to express being happy to provide assistance.Tatoeba #5885792 by Bilmanda, translation #3783051 by CK
- Dia tidak senang sama sekali.He isn't happy at all.This sentence demonstrates the negation of senang to express being unhappy.Tatoeba #11324903 by Pacific, translation #290399 by CK
- Saya merasa senang bisa menghadiri acara ini.I feel happy to attend this event.
- Aku senang banget ditemani olehmu!I'm so happy to be accompanied by you!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Adi and Indah are talking about a recent holiday.
- AdiApakah kamu senang dengan liburan kemarin?Were you happy with the holiday yesterday?
- IndahYa, saya merasa sangat senang!Yes, I feel very happy!
- AdiSyukurlah kalau kamu senang.I'm glad that you are happy.
- IndahTerima kasih sudah mengajak saya, Adi.Thank you for inviting me, Adi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy” translations and entries senang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries senang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
