What does it mean word for word?
The phrase terima kasih literally means "to accept affection" or "to receive love", combining terima (accept/receive) and kasih (love/affection).
Which one should you use?
The full phrase terima kasih is the standard way to say "thank you", while the clipped form makasih is a shorter version used for "thanks".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Terima kasih is the most common and straightforward formal way to express gratitude. For a more formal tone, you can use Saya berterima kasih (I thank you) or Saya sungguh berterima kasih (I'm truly grateful). In casual settings or among friends, the informal makasih is frequently used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "thank you very much", you can add banyak (much/many) to the end of the phrase to get terima kasih banyak. When expressing what you are thankful for, you can use the preposition untuk (for), but in more formal contexts, atas is more commonly used to mean "for" or "due to".
How do you pronounce it?
/təˌrima ˈkasih/
When do people say it?
The standard response to terima kasih is sama-sama, which means "You're welcome" and literally translates to "same-same".
Did you know?
- In some traditional contexts, saying terima kasih is accompanied by a slight nod of the head and a gentle press of the palms together.
- The word terima in terima kasih comes from the Sanskrit word tārima, which meant 'receiving' or 'gratefulness'.
- In very formal writing, the preposition atas is used instead of untuk when saying 'thank you for', because atas literally means 'above' or 'on top of'.
Examples in context
- Terima kasih untuk ini.Thanks for this.This sentence shows how to use terima kasih to thank someone for a specific object.Tatoeba #4731768 by Bilmanda, translation #2250085 by CK
- Terima kasih atas sarannya.Thanks for the suggestion.This sentence demonstrates using terima kasih to express thanks for a suggestion.Tatoeba #11970225 by Pacific, translation #1227202 by CK
- Terima kasih untuk fotonya.Thanks for the photo.This sentence illustrates using terima kasih when thanking someone for a photo.Tatoeba #13308401 by starplane, translation #4501395 by CK
- Terima kasih atas bantuannya.Thank you for your help.
- Terima kasih banyak atas hadiahnya.Thank you very much for the gift.
- Saya berterima kasih atas kesempatan ini.I thank you for this opportunity.
- Makasih ya udah anter aku pulang.Thanks for driving me home.
- Makasih banyak loh!Thanks a lot!
- Terima kasih banget udah datang.Thank you so much for coming.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Adi is receiving a gift from Putri at a cafe.
- AdiTerima kasih banyak atas hadiahnya, Putri.Thank you very much for the gift, Putri.
- PutriSama-sama, Adi.You're welcome, Adi.
- AdiSaya sangat menyukainya.I really like it.
- PutriSenang mendengarnya.I'm glad to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thanks” translations and entries terima kasih, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kasih, terima, terima kasih, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
