Apa khabar?
/ˈapə ˈxaba(r)/word by word
In Malay, "how are you?" is said as Apa khabar?
The phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone about their general well-being. You can respond to this question by saying Khabar baik, which means "Fine" or Sihat, which means "Healthy".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of apa, meaning "what" and khabar, meaning "news" or "information".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the state of Kelantan, people might say Apo khabar? instead of Apa khabar?
How does it change in a sentence?
Because khabar is a noun, the phrase functions as a question about the state of one's "news" or "condition".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapə ˈxaba(r)/
When do people say it?
When someone asks you Apa khabar?, the standard response is Khabar baik, which literally means "Good news" and functions as "I am well".
Did you know?
- While Apa khabar? is the standard form, speaking it in a formal setting often involves a 'salam' gesture, where people lightly touch palms and bring their hand to their chest.
- The word apa shares a common ancestor with the Māori word aha, which also asks 'what'.
- In many Malay-speaking cultures, responding to Apa khabar? by saying Khabar baik is less about a factual report and more of a social ritual to maintain harmony.
Examples in context
- Apa khabar? Saya harap anda sihat.How are you? I hope you are well.
- Apa khabar? Asyik bermain-main dengan kawan-kawan?How are you? Having fun with your friends?
- Encik, apa khabar?Mr., how are you?
- Apa khabar?How are you?
- Hai, apa khabar?Hi, how are you?
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (apa, khabar) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, khabar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
