saya baik-baik saja
The English phrase 'I am good' can be translated into Indonesian as saya baik-baik saja.
A response used to say that you are healthy or doing well when someone asks how you are.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase baik-baik saja literally means 'fine-fine only' or 'just fine'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal situations, you should use saya baik-baik saja or Saya dalam keadaan baik. For informal situations, such as speaking with friends or peers, you can use Aku baik-baik aja. Using aku instead of saya makes the phrase more informal.
Did you know?
- The word saya shares a distant ancestor with the Sanskrit word sahāya, which originally meant 'a companion' or 'an attendant'.
- The word baik (good) is also used to describe a person's character, so saying Saya baik can sometimes be interpreted as 'I am a good person' rather than 'I am doing well'.
- The phrase baik-baik saja is often used to reassure others that a situation is under control even if the speaker is not actually feeling 'good'.
Examples in context
- Aku baik-baik aja, terima kasih!I am good, thank you!
- Saya dalam keadaan baik, terima kasih.I am in a good condition, thank you.
- Saya baik-baik saja, terima kasih.I am good, thank you.
- Untungnya, saya baik-baik saja hari ini.Fortunately, I am good today.
- Jangan khawatir, saya baik-baik saja.Don't worry, I am good.
Example conversation
Adi meets Putri at a coffee shop and asks how she is doing.
- PutriAdi, apa kabar?Adi, how are you?
- AdiSaya baik-baik saja, Putri. Kamu sendiri?I am good, Putri. How about you?
- PutriSaya juga baik-baik saja.I am also good.
- AdiSyukurlah kalau begitu.I am glad to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saja, saya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
