Expressing gratitude is an essential part of Indonesian culture. Whether you are communicating formally or informally, saying “thank you” in the local language can have a significant impact. In this guide, you will learn various ways to say thank you in Indonesian, including formal and informal expressions. While there might be regional variations, we will focus on the most commonly used phrases across Indonesia.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Thank You
When it comes to formal settings, such as business meetings or interactions with older people or authority figures, it’s crucial to use polite and respectful expressions to convey your gratitude.
Terima Kasih
Terima Kasih is the most commonly used phrase for “thank you” in formal situations. It can be used in various contexts, and its literal translation is “receive love.” Remember to pronounce the “k” in “kasih” softly, similar to an “h” sound.
Terima Kasih Banyak
For expressing greater appreciation, you can add the word “banyak” after “terima kasih.” Terima Kasih Banyak means “thank you very much” and amplifies the gratitude you wish to express towards the other person.
Informal Ways to Say Thank You
In casual situations, such as conversations with friends, colleagues, or people of similar age, you have more flexibility in choosing how to say thank you. Informal expressions help create a friendly and approachable atmosphere.
Makasih
Makasih is a widely used casual expression for saying “thank you” in Indonesian. It’s an abbreviation of “terima kasih,” representing a more relaxed and informal tone of appreciation.
Trims
Another informal way to express gratitude is by using the word Trims, which is short for “terima kasih.” It’s commonly used in daily conversations and maintains a friendly and casual atmosphere while conveying your thanks.
Regional Variations
While Indonesian is a common language across the entire archipelago, there might be slight regional differences in expressions of gratitude. Let’s explore a few examples:
Sundanese (West Java)
In the Sundanese language, which is spoken in West Java, you can say “Hatur nuhun” to express your thanks formally. For informal contexts, you can use “Matur nuhun.”
Javanese (Central and East Java)
Javanese, spoken in Central and East Java, has its own unique expressions for gratitude. In formal situations, the phrase “Matur nuwun” is commonly used. In an informal setting, “Matur suwun” is a popular way to say thank you among Javanese speakers.
Balinese (Bali)
Balinese, spoken in Bali, has a slightly different phrase for expressing gratitude. “Matur suksma” is used in both formal and informal contexts and is a way to show appreciation in Balinese culture.
Tip: If you are unsure about which expression to use, sticking to the commonly used formal expressions like “Terima Kasih” will generally be well-received across different regions of Indonesia.
Examples and Tips
Now, let’s look at some examples to help you understand how to say thank you in Indonesian in different situations:
Example 1:
Formal: Interviewer: “Terima kasih atas waktunya untuk datang ke sesi wawancara ini.” (Thank you for taking the time to come to this interview session.)
Candidate: “Terima kasih banyak.” (Thank you very much.)
Example 2:
Informal: Friend: “Aku belikan cokelat untukmu.” (I bought you some chocolate.)
You: “Makasih, kamu sangat baik.” (Thanks, you’re very kind.)
Tips:
- Always add “terima kasih” or its variations at the beginning of your expressions to show gratitude.
- When expressing thanks in writing, you can use abbreviations such as “thx” or “tq” in text messages or informal emails.
- Remember to accompany your words with a warm smile to convey sincerity and appreciation.
- If you receive a compliment along with someone’s help, you can respond with “terima kasih atas pujian dan bantuannya” (thank you for the compliments and the help).
By using these various expressions, you will be able to show your gratitude and appreciation to Indonesians in different settings with confidence. Enjoy your interactions in this warm and friendly culture!
