tidak, terima kasih
The English phrase "no thank you" is translated into Indonesian as tidak, terima kasih.
This phrase is used as a polite way of saying no.
Meaning: polite way of saying no (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tidak, meaning "no/not" and terima kasih, which literally translates to "receive thanks".
Which one should you use?
While tidak, terima kasih is a complete and polite sentence, simply saying Enggak is a blunt way to say "no" and can sound dismissive if used without the thank you part.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tidak, terima kasih is a formal way to say "No, thank you". In casual conversation, the phrase is often shortened to nggak, makasih or Nggak, makasih ya, which is an informal way to say "No, thanks."
How does it change in a sentence?
In writing, a comma is used between tidak and terima kasih to separate the negation from the expression of gratitude, mirroring the English structure.
Did you know?
- In many Indonesian cultures, saying tidak, terima kasih is often accompanied by a slight nod or a small hand gesture to soften the refusal.
- The word kasih in terima kasih originally meant 'mercy' or 'affection'. The meaning shifted from the act of loving to the act of giving as a reciprocal gesture.
- In some contexts, a polite person might avoid using tidak entirely and instead use a phrase that describes their current state, such as being full, to imply 'no thank you'.
Examples in context
- Tidak, terima kasih. Saya sudah kenyang.No, thank you. I'm full.This sentence shows how to use tidak, terima kasih when declining food because you are full.Tatoeba #11244539 by Pacific, translation #65670 by CK
- Tidak, terima kasih.No, thank you.This sentence is a simple example of using tidak, terima kasih to say "No, thank you."Tatoeba #11363406 by Pacific, translation #31390 by CK
- Tidak, terima kasih. Saya tidak bisa makan kue hari ini.No, thank you. I can't eat cake today.
- Nggak, makasih ya. Aku lagi nggak bisa makan kue sekarang.No, thanks. I can't eat cake right now.
- Tidak, terima kasih, saya tidak mau beli.No, thank you, I do not want to buy it.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Indah offers Budi a drink at the office.
- IndahBudi, apakah kamu mau kopi?Budi, would you like some coffee?
- BudiTidak, terima kasih, Indah.No thank you, Indah.
- IndahApakah kamu mau teh saja?Would you like tea instead?
- BudiTidak, terima kasih, saya sudah minum air.No thank you, I have already had water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no thank you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kasih, terima, tidak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
