Signification
A friendly way to check on someone.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Basa-basi' means you should never start a conversation with a request. Always ask 'Bagaimana kabarmu?' first to show respect. In the capital, 'Bagaimana' is almost always shortened to 'Gimana'. Using the full word can sometimes sound like a textbook. Many Indonesians will answer 'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to God) regardless of their religion, as a cultural habit to show gratitude for their current state. In emails, it is common to use 'Semoga Anda dalam keadaan sehat' (Hope you are in a healthy state) as a more formal version of checking in.
The 'Baik' Rule
When someone asks you this, always start your answer with 'Baik' (Good), even if you're going to complain later. It's polite!
The '-mu' Trap
Be careful using '-mu' with people older than you. When in doubt, use 'Apa kabar?' which is always safe.
Signification
A friendly way to check on someone.
The 'Baik' Rule
When someone asks you this, always start your answer with 'Baik' (Good), even if you're going to complain later. It's polite!
The '-mu' Trap
Be careful using '-mu' with people older than you. When in doubt, use 'Apa kabar?' which is always safe.
Add 'Sekeluarga'
To sound like a pro, ask 'Bagaimana kabar sekeluarga?'. It shows you care about their whole family, which is a huge plus in Indonesian culture.
Teste-toi
Complete the greeting to your friend.
Halo Budi, bagaimana ______?
'-mu' is the correct informal possessive suffix for 'you'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for your boss?
Asking your boss how they are:
Using 'Bapak' (Sir) is the respectful way to address a male superior.
Match the phrase to its register.
Registers and Phrases
Each variation fits a specific social context.
Fill in the missing response.
A: Bagaimana kabarmu? B: ________, terima kasih.
'Kabar baik' (Good news/I'm fine) is the standard response.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
You haven't seen a friend in 5 years.
'Selama ini' (all this time) adds the necessary depth for a long absence.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Ways to say 'How are you?'
Formal
- • Bagaimana kabar Anda?
- • Apa kabar, Bapak?
Casual
- • Gimana kabarnya?
- • Apa kabar?
Slang
- • Gimana, Cuy?
- • Sehat?
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesHalo Budi, bagaimana ______?
'-mu' is the correct informal possessive suffix for 'you'.
Asking your boss how they are:
Using 'Bapak' (Sir) is the respectful way to address a male superior.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Each variation fits a specific social context.
A: Bagaimana kabarmu? B: ________, terima kasih.
'Kabar baik' (Good news/I'm fine) is the standard response.
You haven't seen a friend in 5 years.
'Selama ini' (all this time) adds the necessary depth for a long absence.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly, yes. 'Apa kabar?' is more like 'What's up?' or a general 'How are you?', while 'Bagaimana kabarmu?' is slightly more personal and specific to the person you're talking to.
It's better to use 'Apa kabar?' with a stranger. 'Bagaimana kabarmu?' implies a level of familiarity because of the '-mu' suffix.
You can say 'Lagi kurang sehat' (Not feeling well) or 'Lagi agak sibuk' (A bit busy). It's rare to just say 'Buruk' (Bad).
It means 'news' or 'information'. So you're literally asking 'How is your news?'.
'Gimana' is the slang/shortened version of 'Bagaimana'. It's used in 90% of daily spoken Indonesian.
No, that sounds incomplete. You need at least 'Apa kabar?' or 'Gimana?'.
If it's the first time you've seen them that day, yes. It's an essential part of Indonesian social etiquette.
'Bagaimana kabar Anda?' is the formal version, used in business or with elders.
Yes, but usually in the opening sentence: 'Semoga kabarmu baik' (I hope your news is good).
Yes, 'Piye kabare?' is very famous and often used even by non-Javanese people as a joke or a friendly greeting.
Expressions liées
Apa kabar?
similarWhat's the news? / How are you?
Gimana kabarnya?
informalHow's the news?
Sehat?
specialized formHealthy?
Sudah makan?
builds onHave you eaten?
