Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan
The English phrase "happy independence day" is translated into Malay as Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan.
Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan is the standard way to offer well-wishes to fellow citizens on Malaysia's National Day.
Meaning: good wishes at a country's independence day (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Selamat (safe/happy/congratulations), Hari (day) and Kemerdekaan (independence).
Which one should you use?
While Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan is the standard greeting, you may also see Selamat Hari Kebangsaan, which literally means "Happy National Day". Additionally, Selamat Menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan can be used to mean "Happy Celebrating Independence Day".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Hari Kemerdekaan, the noun Hari (day) comes before the modifier Kemerdekaan (independence), following the head-modifier rule.
Did you know?
- In Malaysia, the celebration of Hari Kemerdekaan is often accompanied by the shout Merdeka!, repeated seven times in a specific rhythmic cadence.
- The word selamat used in this greeting is actually a loanword from the Arabic word salāma, which is the root of the English word 'salvation'.
- The term kemerdekaan is built from the root word for 'free', showing that independence is fundamentally viewed as the state of being free.
Examples in context
- Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan!Happy Independence Day!
- Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan kepada semua rakyat.Happy Independence Day to all citizens.
- Saya ingin mengucapkan Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan.I want to wish you a Happy Independence Day.
- Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan, Malaysia!Happy Independence Day, Malaysia!
Example conversation
Nur and Hafiz are greeting each other during the national holiday.
- NurSelamat Hari Kemerdekaan, Hafiz!Happy Independence Day, Hafiz!
- HafizSelamat Hari Kemerdekaan juga, Nur.Happy Independence Day to you too, Nur.
- NurAdakah awak merancang untuk menonton perarakan?Are you planning to watch the parade?
- HafizYa, saya mahu menontonnya di televisyen.Yes, I want to watch it on television.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hari, selamat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
