Apa kabar?
/ˈapa ˈkabar/word by word
How are you? In Indonesian is said as Apa kabar?
The phrase Apa kabar? is a common greeting used to ask someone about their general well-being. Other variations exist depending on the level of informality and the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as Kabar apa? for a 'What's up?' feel or Gimana kabarnya? to ask 'How is it going?'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Apa kabar? literally translates to "What news?", consisting of apa (what) and kabar (news/information).
Which one should you use?
While Apa kabar? is the standard way to ask how someone is, Bagaimana kabarnya? specifically asks "How is your condition?" and Apa kabar nih? is a more casual way to say "How are you?" Kabar apa? is used as an informal "What's up?"
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapa ˈkabar/
Did you know?
- In very casual settings, Indonesians often skip the 'how are you' phrase entirely and ask Sudah makan?, meaning 'Have you eaten?'
- The word kabar is a linguistic traveler that entered Indonesian via Arabic, specifically from the word khabar meaning 'news' or 'information'.
- In some Indonesian cultures, if someone asks Apa kabar?, it is common to avoid mentioning any negative news to maintain social harmony.
Examples in context
- Halo, apa kabar?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Dimas meets Putri at a cafe.
- DimasHalo Putri, apa kabar?Hello Putri, how are you?
- PutriKabar baik, Dimas. Kamu?I am well, Dimas. And you?
- DimasSaya juga baik.I am also well.
- PutriSenang bertemu kamu.It is nice to see you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (apa, kabar) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, kabar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
