tresna
In Balinese, the English word love is expressed as tresna.
The term tresna refers to the concept of strong affection.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tresna is the common term for love, while asih is a more formal or literary way to express love and affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although tresna is a noun meaning love, it can also function as a verb meaning to love in many contexts.
Did you know?
- The word tresna traces its roots back to the Sanskrit word tṛṣṇā, which originally meant 'thirst' or 'craving'.
- Balinese uses different levels of speech based on social caste, meaning the word for love may change depending on who is speaking and who is listening.
- While tresna is used for affection, Balinese culture often expresses love through 'silent' actions and duty rather than verbal declarations.
Examples in context
- Tresna tiange gedé pisan.My love is very big.
- I punyan tresna puniki sujati.This love is true.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families.
- KadekKadek tresna pisan teken memene.Kadek has a great love for her mother.
- NyomanTiang masi tresna teken ibu tiange.I also love my mother.
- KadekTresna punika sane ngawitang keneh becik.That love is what starts a good heart.
- NyomanPatut pisan, Kadek.That is very true, Kadek.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries tresna, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tresna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
