If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, one of the most important things to learn is how to say thank you in Malay.
Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, are known for their strong cultural emphasis on courtesy and respect, so expressing gratitude in the local language is a meaningful gesture that can leave a positive impression on the people you meet.
The phrase for thank you in Bahasa Malaysia is terima kasih.
This simple yet essential phrase will be useful in a variety of situations, whether you’re navigating bustling cities or relaxing in quieter regions.
Below, you’ll find a guide on how to pronounce it correctly, when to use it, and how to respond if someone says it to you!
Table Of Contents
Tip 1: How Do I Say Thank You In The Malay Language?
The only phrase you need to know to say thank you in Bahasa Malaysia is these two magical words: terima kasih.
Here, I include its phonetic transcription, too—like the ones you see in dictionaries, to help you figure out how to pronounce it!
Terima kasih = /tərɪˈmə kɑːse̞h/ (tuh-REE-muh KAH-see)
In the Malay language, terima literally means to accept, while kasih refers to love and affection.
Combined, they figuratively suggest an expression of appreciation and gratitude toward someone.
You might want to be careful about a highly formal, prestigious ceremony when using this Malay greeting.
On official occasions involving very strict ceremonial or royal protocols, the phrase terima kasih will be articulated in its standard, formal way.
So, in such context, it would be best to pronounce it as /terimɑ kasih/, instead of /terimə kasih/.
The figure below shows how the vocal sound ‘a’ in terima changes when the setting is strictly formal:
English | Malay (Informal) | Malay (Formal) |
---|---|---|
Thank you | Terima kasih /tərɪˈmə kɑːse̞h/ (tuh-REE-muh KAH-see) | Terima kasih /tərɪmɑ ˈkɑːse̞h/ (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see) |
Informally, the vocal ‘a’ in terima, is often pronounced with an ə sound (like the UH sound in the).
Yet, in a highly formal context, the vocal ‘a’ in terima is articulated with an ɑ sound (like the AH in spa).
The phrase terima kasih can be used by anyone and everyone – there’s no short form, no masculine or feminine connotations, no tonal features, and no synonyms.
Congratulations! Now you know the secret to properly pronouncing terima kasih in Malay!
Tip 2: When Do I Say Thank You In The Malay Language?
If you are still wondering when should you use the phrase terima kasih and sama-sama, consider a few scenarios below:
English | Malay |
---|---|
A: Here you go, this is the item you ordered. B: OK, thank you! A: You’re welcome. | A: Nah, ini barang yang kamu telah pesan. B: OK, terima kasih! A: Sama-sama. |
A: Thank you for inviting me today. B: No problem. | A: Terima kasih kerana menjemput saya hari ini. B: Tidak apa. |
A: Here’s your present. B: I like it, thank you very much! A: You’re welcome. | A: Ini hadiah awak. B: Saya sukakannya. Terima kasih banyak-banyak! A: Sama-sama. |
Tip 3: Why Do We Say Thank You In Malay Culture
While it’s not mandatory to say terima kasih instead of “thank you,” using Malay can enhance your experience in Malaysia.
Although many Malaysians understand English, expressing gratitude in their native language impresses locals and fosters a sense of connection.
Speaking Malay shows respect for the Malaysian culture and its people, which can lead to warmer hospitality and even better prices for goods and services!
Therefore, learn how to say terima kasih to show your appreciation and respect for the local culture.
How Do You Say Thank You In Malay?
In Malay, the phrase for “thank you” is terima kasih. This simple expression of gratitude can be used in both formal and informal contexts throughout Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thank You In Malay
What Is The Meaning Of Terima Kasih In Malaysia?
In the Malay language, terima means “to accept,” and kasih signifies “love” or “affection.”
Together, these words express a heartfelt appreciation and gratitude towards someone.
How Do You Say Thank You So Much In Malaysia?
To say thank you so much in the Malay Language, simply add banyak-banyak /ˈbanjak ˈbanjak/ (BAHN-yak–BAHN-yak) which literally means “many-many” after terima kasih!
How Do I Reply To “Terima Kasih”?
In Malaysia, if a person says terima kasih to you, you should say sama-sama in return.
Sama-sama = /sɑmə ˈsɑmə/ (SAH-muh-SAH-muh)
You pronounce the underlined ‘a’ in sama-sama exactly how you do it in terima— /ə/ UH.
Responding to someone’s thank you by saying “you’re welcome,” or in Malay, sama-sama, is a basic form of manners, courtesy, and respect in Malaysian culture.
You can also use tidak apa (no problem) /ˈti.dɑk ˈɑ.pə/ (TEE-dahk AH-pUH) or senang hati (glad to help) /səˈnɑŋ ˈhɑ.ti/ (suh-NAHNG HAH-tee) for a more informal response.
What Is Selamat In Malaysia?
In both Indonesian and Malaysian, selamat translates to “peace” or “safety,” and you will frequently hear this word in various greeting phrases.
However, it does not mean “thank you” in Bahasa Malaysia.
Instead, selamat is a false cognate with “salamat,” which means “thank you” in Tagalog and other Filipino languages. Isn’t that interesting?
Remember to avoid mixing up the languages when speaking with your Malay friends!
Summary Of Thank You In Malay And Related Expressions
English | Malay |
---|---|
Thank you. | Terima kasih. |
Thank you very much. | Terima kasih banyak-banyak. |
You’re welcome. | Sama-sama. |
No problem. | Tidak apa. |
Glad to help. | Senang hati. |
Learn More Basic Phrases In The Malay Language
Learning to say thank you in Malay will make you noticeable among the Malay speakers.
Yet, if you want to be recognized and approached by the Malaysian community, you must learn other conversational Malay phrases and Malay self-introduction expressions!
The Ling app can definitely help you acquire the most important words and key phrases in Malay – it has the best interactive features that will get you to speak Malay in no time!
Learn Malay now when you download the Ling app on your device!
Don’t hesitate, just learn and practice Malay with Ling app!