hati-hati
The phrase "take care" in Indonesian is expressed as hati-hati.
While hati-hati literally means "be careful", it is commonly used as a parting phrase similar to "take care" when someone is leaving. Depending on the tone and context, it can function as a warm parting wish or as a warning to watch out for danger.
Meaning: good-bye (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle ya to the end of hati-hati to form hati-hati ya makes the phrase sound softer, more friendly and more natural in casual conversation, translating roughly to "take care, okay?"
Did you know?
- The word hati means 'liver' in Indonesian. While the liver is the anatomical organ, it is culturally treated as the center of human emotion and intuition, similar to how English speakers use the word 'heart'.
- The word hati is used in the term rendah hati, meaning 'humble'. It literally translates to 'low liver', suggesting that a humble person keeps their emotions and pride grounded.
- The repetition in hati-hati is a form of reduplication used to intensify the meaning or create a noun/adjective from a base word.
Examples in context
- Sampai jumpa, hati-hati ya.See you, take care.
- Hati-hati saat berkendara.Take care while driving.
Example conversation
Budi and Maya are saying goodbye after a movie.
- MayaAku pulang duluan ya.I'm going home first.
- BudiOke, hati-hati di jalan.Okay, take care on the road.
- MayaTerima kasih, Budi.Thank you, Budi.
- BudiSama-sama, Maya.You're welcome, Maya.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hati-hati, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
