Selamat malam
/səˈlamat ˈmalam/word by word
The English phrase 'have a good night' is translated into Indonesian as Selamat malam.
Selamat malam is a versatile phrase used as a greeting when you meet someone or arrive at a place in the evening, and it is also used as a farewell when departing. While English speakers use different phrases for arriving (good evening) and leaving (good night), Indonesian speakers use Selamat malam for both situations. If you want to tell someone to sleep well in a casual way among family or peers, you can use Selamat tidur. For a similar sentiment to 'sleep tight' or wishing someone a peaceful and undisturbed rest, you can use Tidurlah dengan nyenyak.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of selamat, meaning safe or blessed and malam, meaning night.
Which one should you use?
Selamat malam is used once it is dark or night has fallen. For the late afternoon or early evening, roughly from 3 PM until sunset, use Selamat sore instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/səˈlamat ˈmalam/
Did you know?
- While malam means 'night', the word is also a homonym for 'ointment' or 'wax paste' borrowed from Gujarati.
- In Indonesian, the word selamat is used not only for greetings but also to say 'congratulations' or to describe someone who has survived a disaster.
Examples in context
- Selamat malam, Pak Budi. Semoga Anda memiliki malam yang baik dan tidur yang nyenyak.Good night, Mr. Budi. May you have a good night and a restful sleep.
- Selamat tidur, teman-teman! Sampai jumpa besok.Sleep well, friends! See you tomorrow.
- Nikmati malammu! Semoga mimpi indah ya!Enjoy your night! Have sweet dreams!
- Selamat malam, semuanya.Good evening, everyone.
- Selamat malam, Pak.Good evening, Sir.
- Selamat malam, Ibu.Good evening, Ma'am.
Example conversation
Maya and Rian meet at a cafe in the evening.
- MayaSelamat malam, Rian.Good evening, Rian.
- RianSelamat malam, Maya.Good evening, Maya.
- MayaApa kabar?How are you?
- RianKabar baik.I am well.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (selamat, malam) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malam, selamat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
