Without a doubt, when translating a word to another language, understanding the literal meaning is crucial. However, language also depends with external factors such as context and even its society. Therefore, learning a new language becomes more complex and interesting at the same time, such as in Indonesian Language Difficulties.
This time, we will learn about how to say ‘cheers’ in Indonesian.
As it was written before, talking about language also means understanding the context of it, especially for words that have more than one meaning. How to say cheers in Indonesian can be translated into several words, which are (1) bersulang, (2) sampai jumpa (3) terima kasih. To see the difference, take a look at the examples below.
1. Cheers = bersulang [bərsulɑŋ]
In English, ‘cheers’ is commonly used to refer the expression for good wishes or gratitude before drinking (beer, wine even mineral water), which also consisted toasting glasses. In Indonesia, such occasion usually signified with the word ‘bersulang’. In formal occasion, you could add the word ‘mari [mɑrɪ]’ before the word ‘bersulang’.
- Mari bersulang untuk kemenangan tim kita ([Let’s] cheers for our team’s victory).
However, except for formal ceremony or event, many Indonesian rarely used full sentences in daily communication. Therefore, it is also possible to use the word bersulang as a one-word sentence. Here the occasion and example.
- Untuk kemenangan kita [mengangkat gelas]. Bersulang! [toasting the glass]
(For our victory [raising the glass]. Cheers! [toasting the glass])
It should be noted that this situation usually happened in certain occasion, such as modern wedding, high-class ceremony or meeting commonly in middle-upper social groups.
2. Cheers = selamat tinggal [səlɑmat tɪŋgɑl]
How to say cheers in Indonesian – For the second meaning, ‘cheer’ also used to end a conversation or ‘goodbye’. In formal Bahasa Indonesia, it is translated as selamat tinggal. Here another way how to say ‘cheers’ in Indonesian.
- Selamat tinggal, Budi. Sampai ketemu! (Cheers, Budi! See you!)
In addition, there is a particular informal word that can be used to end a conversation that has similar meaning with ‘cheers’. While selamat tinggal is used in formal situation, in daily activity people usually use the word dada (also means goodbye). Here is the example.
- Dada! Sampai ketemu besok, ya (Cheers! See you tomorrow)
However, you should be careful to use this word because the word dada has another meaning—chest (body part), breast—which in some cases is sensitive.
3. Cheers = terima kasih [tərɪmɑ kɑsɪh]
Furthermore, ‘cheers’ can be used as an informal way to say gratitude or thank you. In Bahasa Indonesia, they commonly use the word terima kasih. Except for formal ceremony or written form of communication, the word terima kasih is rarely use because it formal sense. On the other side, the word terima kasih is usually shortened to makasih because it has more friendly sense.
Here are the examples.
- Saya sangat menghargai itu. Terima kasih! (I really appreciate that. Cheers!)
- Itu sangat membantu. Makasih! (It really helps. Cheers!)
In both sentence, you actually could switch the sentence position where you place terima kasih or makasih before the other sentence (Terima kasih! Saya sangat menghargai itu/ Makasih! Itu sangat membantu). It won’t change the meaning of it.
More Indonesian words to learn:
- How to Say Goodnight in Indonesian Language
- How to say Please in Bahasa Indonesia
- How to say Hello in Indonesian
The most important thing about how to say cheers in Indonesian is to understand when to use the word because it has different function in different occasion (see also How Are You in Indonesian – Conversation and Example). Therefore, should be familiar with the context and situation. Moreover, practice is the key to master a new language and do not hesitate to try.