Om swastiastu
Bali, Hindu greeting, formal
In Bali the traditional greeting is Om swastiastu, used by Balinese Hindus. In Indonesian, people say Halo for hello and Selamat pagi for good morning.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Indonesian | Note |
|---|---|
| Om swastiastu | Bali, Hindu greeting, formal |
| Halo | everyday, Indonesian |
| Selamat pagi | good morning, polite |
Om swastiastu is common in Bali at ceremonies, in speeches and with local people. Visitors who use it are usually met with a smile, and the answer is the same words.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Most people in Bali also speak Indonesian, so Halo and Selamat pagi are always understood. Balinese is a separate language, and Om swastiastu is a greeting from it.
When do people say it?
Om swastiastu is often said with the palms pressed together in front of the chest and a small bow.
Did you know?
- Many Balinese people give their children names based on birth order, such as Wayan, Made, Nyoman and Ketut for the first four children.
Examples in context
- Halo, apa kabar?Hello, how are you?
- Selamat pagi, Ibu.Good morning, madam.
Example conversation
A guest called Tom arrives at a family guesthouse in Ubud, where the owner Made welcomes him.
- MadeOm swastiastu, selamat datang.Om swastiastu, welcome.
- TomOm swastiastu. Terima kasih.Om swastiastu. Thank you.
- MadeSilakan masuk.Please come in.
