aku membencimu
The English phrase "I hate you" is expressed in Indonesian as aku membencimu. Wiktionary also lists aku benci kau.
Meaning: expression of intense dislike (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA |
|---|---|
| aku membencimu | |
| aku benci kau | /ˈaku bənˈt͡ʃi ˈkau̯/ (Standard Indonesian, word by word) |
Both forms are expressions used to convey an intense dislike for another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase aku membencimu is composed of aku (I), membenci (to hate) and the suffix -mu (you). The verb membenci is a transitive verb formed with the prefix me- and the suffix -i, meaning to feel hatred toward someone.
Which one should you use?
aku benci kau is a more direct and colloquial version.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase aku membencimu, the -mu at the end is an enclitic suffix that serves as a shortened form of kamu to indicate the second person singular "you".
Did you know?
- The word benci possesses a surprising history, as it is thought to be a linguistic blend of the words for 'true' and 'love'.
- Adding the word deh to the end of aku benci kau can make the expression sound like a playful or exaggerated pout rather than genuine hatred.
- In casual Indonesian, people often omit the subject aku entirely and simply say benci kamu to express their feelings.
Examples in context
- Aku membencimu.I hate you.This sentence is useful for stating the direct expression of hatred.Tatoeba #11950413 by Pacific, translation #827295 by RaspaKrusto
- Karena aku membencimu.Because I hate you.This sentence is useful for providing a reason involving the expression of hatred.Tatoeba #3477331 by orion17, translation #2307223 by learngreek
- Jangan datang lagi, aku membencimu!Don't come back again, I hate you!
Example conversation
Maya is angry at Budi for lying to her.
- MayaKamu sudah berbohong padaku terus.You have been lying to me constantly.
- BudiMaafkan aku, Maya.Forgive me, Maya.
- MayaPergi sana, aku membencimu!Go away, I hate you!
- BudiBaiklah, aku akan pergi.Alright, I will go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I hate you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (aku, benci, kau) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aku, benci, kau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
