Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| terima kasih | /təˌrimə ˈkaseh/ /təˌrima ˈkasih/ |
|
| kamsia | /ˈkamsja/ | |
| menjunjung kasih | deferential, formal |
The phrase is used to express gratitude. While terima kasih is the most common and straightforward method for almost all formal settings, you can also use the formal alternative Saya berterima kasih to express your thanks.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase terima kasih literally means 'accept love' or 'accept affection', where terima means 'accept' and kasih means 'love' or 'affection'.
Which one should you use?
Terima kasih is the standard form, whereas kamsia is a colloquial option and menjunjung kasih is a highly formal and deferential expression.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Terima kasih is appropriate for almost all formal settings. For highly formal or deferential contexts, such as when addressing royalty, use menjunjung kasih. In informal situations, you can use the colloquial kamsia or the common informal phrase Terima kasih ya. The colloquial Makasih is also used to say thank you.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'thank you very much', you add banyak after the phrase to get terima kasih banyak.
How do you pronounce it?
/təˌrimə ˈkaseh/
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?
- The phrase menjunjung kasih is reserved for royalty and literally implies 'carrying' or 'holding up' the gratitude on one's head.
- The word terima in terima kasih actually originates from the Sanskrit word tārima, meaning 'receiving' or 'gratefulness'.
Examples in context
- Terima kasih untuk kopi ini.Thank you for the coffee.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for a specific object.Tatoeba #10156879 by Kazuki278, translation #2645021 by CK
- Terima kasih, boleh saya minta sedikit lagi?Thank you, could I have a little more?This sentence is useful for thanking someone before making a request.Tatoeba #1838953 by Adou_Fr, translation #462520 by lukaszpp
- Terima kasih banyak atas undangannya.Thank you very much for your invitation.This sentence is useful for expressing a larger amount of gratitude.Tatoeba #751442 by frogprincess, translation #64370 by CK
- Terima kasih atas bantuan anda.Thank you for your help.
- Terima kasih banyak kerana sokongan anda.Thank you very much for your support.
- Saya berterima kasih atas kesediaan anda untuk membantu saya.I am grateful for your willingness to help me.
- Terima kasih ya atas undangan tersebut.Thank you for the invitation.
- Makasih sebab sudi datang ke majlis saya.Thanks for coming to my event.
- Terima kasih banyak-banyak sebab selalu teman saya.Thank you so much for always accompanying me.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hafiz gives Nur a book he finished reading.
- NurHafiz, terima kasih kerana meminjamkan buku ini.Hafiz, thank you for lending me this book.
- HafizSama-sama, Nur. Saya harap kamu menyukainya.You're welcome, Nur. I hope you like it.
- NurBuku ini sangat bagus!This book is very good!
- HafizSaya gembira mendengarnya.I am happy to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries terima kasih, kamsia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kamsia, kasih, terima, terima kasih, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
