sama-sama
/ˌsamə ˈsamə/
In Malay, "welcome" can be expressed in different ways depending on whether you are greeting someone or responding to thanks. The default form is sama-sama.
Use selamat datang as a greeting to welcome someone arriving at a place. Use sama-sama as a response to terima kasih (thank you) to mean "you're welcome".
Meaning: greeting given upon someone's arrival (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sama-sama is a reduplication of sama (same/together), literally meaning "together" or "likewise".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsamə ˈsamə/
When do people say it?
In Malay culture, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
Did you know?
- The word datang in selamat datang can be used as a verb to describe a visitor arriving, but it is also used in legal contexts to mean 'appearing' in court.
- In formal settings, a person might respond to 'thank you' with sama-sama while slightly bowing their head or placing a hand over their heart.
- In many parts of Malaysia, you might hear silakan used to welcome a guest into a room or to invite them to sit, which acts as a polite command to 'please proceed'.
Examples in context
- Selamat datang ke MalaysiaWelcome to Malaysia
- Selamat datang kepada semua ahli panel.Welcome to all panel members.
Example conversation
Farah helps Amir carry a heavy box.
- FarahNah, sudah sampai.Here, we have arrived.
- AmirTerima kasih banyak, Farah.Thank you very much, Farah.
- FarahSama-sama, Amir.You're welcome, Amir.
- AmirAwak sangat baik.You are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sama-sama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
