What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of beristirahat (to rest), the suffix -lah (an imperative particle), dengan (with) and tenang (calm/peaceful).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Beristirahatlah dalam Damai is a formal way to say rest in peace. In casual digital contexts or on social media, Indonesian speakers often use the English acronym RIP. For an informal way to say rest peacefully in the afterlife, you can use Tenang di Alam Sana.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -lah is added to the verb beristirahat to turn the command into a gentle, formal or poetic imperative suitable for a blessing.
When do people say it?
In Indonesian culture, when someone dies, it is more common to say Turut berduka cita (expressing condolences) rather than directly telling the deceased to rest in peace.
Did you know?
- The word dengan has a documented history stretching back to at least 683 CE in the Kedukan Bukit inscription.
- The word tenang in 'rest in peace' can also be used as a verb meaning 'to calm down' or 'to soothe' when speaking to a distressed person.
- If you want to sound less formal, you can use the phrase Tenang di Alam Sana, which refers to 'the other side' or 'the world over there'.
Examples in context
- Beristirahatlah dalam damai.Rest in peace.
- Tenang di alam sana.Rest peacefully in the afterlife.
- Istirahatlah dengan tenang.Rest peacefully.
- Beristirahatlah dengan tenang di surga.Rest in peace in heaven.
- Beristirahatlah dengan tenang, kawan lama.Rest in peace, old friend.
Example conversation
Putri and Adi are visiting a cemetery to pay their respects.
- PutriAku sangat merindukan kakek.I miss grandfather so much.
- AdiKita harus ikhlas melepasnya.We must let him go with sincerity.
- PutriBeristirahatlah dengan tenang, Kek.Rest in peace, Grandpa.
- AdiAmin, semoga beliau bahagia.Amen, I hope he is happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dengan, tenang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
