Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| terima kasih | /təˌrima ˈkasih/ (Standard Indonesian) | |
| makasih | /ma.ka.sɪh/ | informal |
Terima kasih is the most common and neutral way to say 'thank you' in Indonesian. To express a higher level of appreciation or excitement, similar to 'thanks a lot', you can say terima kasih banget. If you want to say 'thank you very much', add banyak to the end of the phrase to get terima kasih banyak. When expressing gratitude for a specific thing or action, the preposition atas (meaning 'for' or 'on') is more formal and common than using untuk in the phrase 'terima kasih atas…'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase terima kasih literally translates to 'accept love' or 'accept affection', where terima means 'accept' and kasih means 'love' or 'affection'.
Which one should you use?
While terima kasih is the standard form, makasih is a shortened, colloquial version used in casual conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Terima kasih is the formal version. In contrast, makasih is an informal way to say 'thanks'. You can also make the phrase sound friendlier and more colloquial by adding ya to the end, resulting in terima kasih ya.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'thank you very much', the standard method is adding banyak (meaning many/much) after terima kasih to form terima kasih banyak. Another specific construction is terima kasih banyak atas bantuannya, which means 'thank you very much for your help'.
How do you pronounce it?
/təˌrima ˈkasih/
When do people say it?
The standard response to terima kasih is sama-sama, which literally means 'the same to you' or 'together'.
Did you know?
- In many Indonesian cultures, people often accompany terima kasih with a slight nod of the head or by placing their palms together in a prayer-like gesture.
- In some regions, people may avoid saying terima kasih too frequently among very close friends or family, as it can feel overly formal or distant.
- The word terima in terima kasih descends from the Sanskrit word tārima, showing the deep influence of ancient Indian culture on the Indonesian language.
Examples in context
- Terima kasih untuk ini.Thank you for this.This sentence demonstrates the use of terima kasih.Tatoeba #4731768 by Bilmanda, translation #2648039 by CK
- Terima kasih atas bukunya.Thank you for the book.Tatoeba #10653920 by HAGNi, translation #2646009 by CK
- Makasih, sekarang aku paham.Thank you, now I understand.This sentence demonstrates the use of makasih.Tatoeba #13678378 by HAGNi, translation #13196050 by frpzzd
- Terima kasih atas pelayanannya yang sangat baikThank you for your excellent service
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Putri is receiving a gift from Adi at a cafe.
- PutriIni hadiah untuk saya?Is this a gift for me?
- AdiIya, terima kasih sudah mau bertemu saya.Yes, thank you for meeting me.
- PutriTerima kasih banyak, Adi.Thank you very much, Adi.
- AdiSama-sama, Putri.You're welcome, Putri.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries terima kasih, makasih, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kasih, makasih, terima, terima kasih, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
