Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “very good” in Balinese! Whether you’re planning a trip to beautiful Bali, want to impress a Balinese friend, or simply have an interest in the language, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express “very good” in Balinese. We’ll also mention regional variations when necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Very Good”
If you want to convey a more formal appreciation for something in Balinese, you can use the words “sangat bagus.” Here’s an example of this phrase in a sentence:
Sangat bagus! Destination Bali memang luar biasa! (Very good! Bali as a destination is truly remarkable!)
The phrase “sangat bagus” is a versatile term that can be used for any situation where you want to express extreme satisfaction or admiration. Remember to pronounce the “g” in “bagus” softly, similar to ‘bawoosh’.
Informal Ways to Say “Very Good”
Moving on to more casual expressions, Balinese people often use the words “oahay” or “apo” to express their approval or satisfaction. These terms can be utilized in various situations and are commonly heard in everyday conversations. Here’s an example of these expressions in use:
Oahay! Program puniki naenin beli! (Very good! This program is so useful!)
Apo pisan! Napi sareng nyantosan ring sini? (Very good! What do you think of this place?)
Both “oahay” and “apo” can be used interchangeably, and they exemplify the warm and friendly nature of the Balinese people. Remember to emphasize the second syllable of “oahay” (O-a-HAY) and pronounce “apo” like ‘a-poh’.
Regional Variations
While Balinese is spoken across the entire island of Bali, there are subtle regional variations in the way “very good” is expressed. In the northern part of the island, you might come across the term “handep” or “handep bagus” to convey the same sentiment. Here’s an example:
Handep bagus! Guritadi raris ngambar karya sane apik. (Very good! Guritadi has beautifully captured the essence of his art.)
On the eastern side of Bali, in Karangasem regency for instance, people often use “kanginan” as an alternative informal expression. Here’s an example:
Kanginan! Kaja mirengsrik saking tukade ane cantik punika! (Very good! The view from this hill is astonishingly beautiful!)
It’s worth noting that these regional variations are not widely used outside their respective areas, so the previously mentioned formal and informal expressions will be understood throughout the island.
Tips for Pronunciation
Mastering the pronunciation is crucial for effectively conveying your appreciation in Balinese. Here are a few tips to sound more natural:
- Focus on the vowel sounds. Unlike English, Balinese vowels are pronounced clearly and distinctly, so pay attention to elongating them when necessary.
- Pay attention to syllable stress. In Balinese, emphasis on certain syllables can change the meaning of a word. As mentioned before, in “oahay,” the emphasis is on the second syllable, so make sure to pronounce it louder.
- Practice the “g” sound. In Balinese, “g” is pronounced softly, almost like a cross between ‘g’ and ‘h’. For example, in “bagus,” pronounce it as ‘bawoosh’ rather than ‘bagus’.
- Listen and imitate native speakers. The best way to improve your pronunciation is to listen to Balinese people and try to imitate their speech patterns and intonation.
Examples in Context
Now, let’s look at a few examples in context to help you better understand how to use these expressions:
Komang: Apo pisan nenten luung, maka satua petak ring sutet puniki! (This small shop is great, let’s buy something here!) Nyoman: Silih tunggil, apa puniki ja? (Sure, what should we get?)
Putu: Handep bagus! Mira adennyan baang warsa munggah ten dayane! (Very good! Mira has made significant progress in just a year!) Made: Sanget manusa pisan! Sapunapi nyidaang ring inyung yen liu namaet apang luung! (She really works hard! It’s no wonder she’s so good!)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now equipped with the knowledge of how to say “very good” in Balinese. Whether you choose to use the more formal “sangat bagus” or the informal expressions like “oahay” and “apo,” your Balinese hosts and friends will appreciate your effort to connect with their culture and language. Remember to practice your pronunciation, pay attention to regional variations when necessary, and embrace the warm and friendly Balinese spirit. Selamat belajar!
