Terima kasih literally means "to receive love" — terima = "to receive", kasih = "love / affection". It is used in every situation, from buying groceries to formal speeches.
Three levels of formality:
- Formal / Standard — "Terima kasih" works everywhere. When in doubt, use this.
- Casual — "Makasih" is the friendly contraction, used between friends, in cafés, with Grab/Gojek drivers.
- Very casual — "Thanks" (English borrowed) is common in chats and among urban youth in Jakarta and Bali.
To intensify, append:
- Banyak ("a lot") → Terima kasih banyak = thank you very much
- Sekali ("very much") → Terima kasih sekali = thank you so much (slightly stronger, less common in speech)
- Atas... ("for...") → Terima kasih atas bantuan Anda = thank you for your help
The expected response is "Sama-sama" (literally "same-same" → mutually). Younger Indonesians sometimes say "Iya" (yeah, ok) or "Oke" (okay) in casual contexts.
Terima kasih, Pak.
Thank you, sir.
Use Pak (men) / Bu (women) for politeness.
Makasih ya!
Thanks!
"Ya" softens the tone in casual speech.
Terima kasih banyak atas bantuan Anda.
Thank you very much for your help.
Terima kasih sudah datang.
Thank you for coming.
Makasih udah ngajarin aku.
Thanks for teaching me.
"Udah" = informal "sudah" (already)
Terima kasih atas waktu Anda.
Thank you for your time.
Standard business email closing.
Indonesians value politeness and indirectness. Saying "terima kasih" is appreciated even for small things — when receiving change, when someone holds a door, when a Grab driver delivers a meal. Foreigners who say "terima kasih" with a smile are universally well-received.
In service contexts (restaurants, hotels), the staff often respond with "Sama-sama, Pak/Bu". Adding Pak (sir) or Bu (ma'am) after their reply is a sign of mutual respect.
In more formal or ceremonial contexts (weddings, funerals, religious gatherings), expressions like "Terima kasih atas kehadirannya" ("thank you for your presence") are standard.
Pro tip for travelers in Bali: locals use both Indonesian and Balinese. "Suksma" (Balinese for thank you) is a wonderful way to show extra cultural respect — but "terima kasih" is always understood and appreciated.
Is "Makasih" rude or just informal?+
Just informal — never rude. It is widely used in casual settings (cafés, friends, chats). Avoid it in formal situations (business meetings, addressing elders) where "Terima kasih" is preferred.
How do you respond to "Terima kasih"?+
The standard reply is "Sama-sama" (you're welcome). More formal: "Terima kasih kembali" (thank you back). Casual: "Iya" (yeah) or "Oke". Friendly: "Tidak apa-apa" (no problem).
What is the polite way to thank an elder?+
Add the honorific "Pak" (man) or "Bu" (woman): "Terima kasih, Pak Budi" (Thank you, Mr. Budi) or "Terima kasih, Bu" (Thank you, ma'am). Slightly bow your head — a respectful gesture in Indonesian culture.
How to say "thank you for everything" in Indonesian?+
"Terima kasih untuk semuanya" — literally "thank you for everything". Common in farewell contexts.
Do Indonesians use "please" before "thank you"?+
"Tolong" (please / help) is used to ask for something: "Tolong air putih" (please water). "Silakan" (please go ahead) is for offering. Both are paired with "terima kasih" naturally: "Tolong dibungkus, terima kasih" (please pack it up, thank you).
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