How to Say Thank You in Indonesian: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)

In this article, we will explore the various ways to say "thank you" in the Indonesian language. We will also provide examples from movies where these phrases are spoken by Indonesian people. Whether you are planning to visit Indonesia or simply want to learn a new language, this guide will help you navigate the expressions of gratitude in Bahasa Indonesia.

Terima Kasih: The Standard Expression

The most common way to say "thank you" in Bahasa Indonesia is "terima kasih". This phrase is widely used and understood throughout the country. Here is how you pronounce it: [te-ree-ma ka-see].

Makasih: A Casual Alternative

In daily conversations, you may also hear Indonesian people say "makasih" as a more casual way of expressing gratitude. This phrase is a reduction of "terima kasih" and is commonly used among friends and in informal settings. Here is how you pronounce it: [ma-ka-see].

Adding "Ya" or "Lho" for Emphasis

Sometimes, you may hear Indonesian people add "ya" or "lho" to the phrase "terima kasih" or "makasih" for emphasis. These words do not change the meaning of the expression but serve as filler words. Here is how you pronounce "makasih ya": [ma-ka-see ya]. And here is how you pronounce "makasih lho": [ma-ka-see lho].

Thank You Very Much: Terima Kasih Banyak

To express a deeper level of gratitude, you can say "terima kasih banyak", which means "thank you very much" or "thank you a lot". This phrase is used when you want to convey a stronger sense of appreciation. Here is how you pronounce it: [te-ree-ma ka-see ban-yak].

Examples from Movies

Let's now explore some examples from movies where these phrases are spoken by Indonesian people.

Example 1: Mimpi Metropolitan (2018)

In this TV series, the phrase "makasih ya" is used in a conversation between Bambang and a waiter. Bambang orders a cup of coffee and thanks the waiter using this expression. Here is the conversation:

Pelayan (Waiter): Kopi, kopi, teh. (Coffee, coffee, tea.) Bambang: Hm, mas mas. Saya mau kopi. Hee, masnya malah bengong. Ngga usah grogi di depan saya. Santai aja. Sini. (Hey, I want a cup of coffee please. Hey, don't be dumbfounded like that. Don't be nervous with me. Just relax. Bring the coffee here.) Pelayan: Iya, iya, iya. (Okay.) Bambang: Gitu. Makasih ya. (That's my boy. Thank you.) Pelayan: Oke, sama-sama. (You're welcome.)

Example 2: Strawberry Surprise (2014)

In this movie, the phrase "makasih ya" is used when a woman gives Bambang a box of food called "nasi kotak". Bambang expresses his gratitude using this expression. Here is the conversation:

Woman: Eh, iya nih. Makan nih. (Hey, I got this for you. You can eat this.) Bambang: Buat saya mba? (This is for me?) Woman: Iya, buat loe. Oh iya, jangan lupa ya dialognya. Yang tawuran itu, yang naskah. (Yes, that is for you. Don’t forget about the dialog, the script about fighting scene from the script.) Bambang: Siap! (Okay.) Woman: Awas lho! Udah, gue pergi dulu ya? (Please, do not forget! Okay, I got to go now.) Bambang: Makasih ya mba. (Thank you.) Woman: Iya, sama-sama. (You’re welcome.)

Example 3: Strawberry Surprise (2014)

In another scene from the same movie, the phrase "makasih lho" is used. Here is the conversation:

Man 1: Mas, ngopi dulu, mas. (Here is coffee for you.) Timur: Makasih lho, mas. (Thank you.) Man 1: Silakan duduk. (Please, have a seat.) Timur: Iya. (Okay.)

Example 4: Wedding Agreement, Season 1, Episode 1 (2022)

In this serial, the phrase "terima kasih" is used. Here is the conversation:

Guard: Maaf, mas itu mau lihat galeri atau mau apa? (Sorry, do you want to see the gallery or something else?) Timur: Oh, sebenarnya saya mau ketemu sama mba Aggi. (Actually, I want to meet mba Aggi.) Guard: Oh, mba Aggi ya? (Oh, you want to meet mba Aggi?) Timur: He'eh. (Yes.) Guard: Sebentar, mas. Tak buka'e dulu. Sik, sik, sik. (Wait a minute. I will open this for you. Just a sec.) Timur: Wah, makasih lho, mas. Terima kasih banyak. (Thank you. Thank you very much.) Guard: Maaf lho, mas. (Please come in.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, expressing gratitude in the Indonesian language is an important aspect of the culture. The standard expression is "terima kasih", while "makasih" is a more casual alternative. Adding "ya" or "lho" for emphasis is common in daily conversations. To convey a deeper level of gratitude, you can say "terima kasih banyak". We have also explored examples from movies where these phrases are spoken by Indonesian people.

Learning how to say "thank you" in different languages allows us to connect with people from diverse cultures and show our appreciation. So, next time you interact with Indonesian speakers, remember to use these expressions to express your gratitude.

Terima kasih banyak for reading this comprehensive guide!

How to Say Thank You in Indonesian: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)
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