Meaning
To be deeply saddened by someone's behavior
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple in 'Sinetron' (soap operas). It often defines the role of the 'protagonis tertindas' (oppressed protagonist) who endures suffering without fighting back. In Javanese culture, 'makan hati' is closely linked to 'ngempet' (holding back emotions). It is seen as a sign of strength to endure, but 'makan hati' acknowledges the pain of that endurance. In Minang literature, emotional pain is often described through internal organs. 'Makan hati' is used to describe the sorrow of those left behind during 'merantau' (migration). Younger generations use 'makan hati' to describe toxic friendships or 'ghosting' in dating, though they might mix it with English terms like 'toxic relationship.'
Think 'Liver', not 'Heart'
Remembering that 'hati' is the liver helps you understand why it's used in so many idioms—it's the 'engine room' of emotions in Indonesia.
Don't use for objects
You can't 'makan hati' because your computer broke. It must involve a person's behavior.
Meaning
To be deeply saddened by someone's behavior
Think 'Liver', not 'Heart'
Remembering that 'hati' is the liver helps you understand why it's used in so many idioms—it's the 'engine room' of emotions in Indonesia.
Don't use for objects
You can't 'makan hati' because your computer broke. It must involve a person's behavior.
The 'Sabar' Connection
If you use 'makan hati' alongside the word 'sabar' (patient), you will sound like a native speaker describing a difficult life situation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
Siska sudah tidak tahan lagi, dia selalu ____ karena suaminya sering berbohong.
In the context of a husband lying, 'makan hati' (suffering in silence) is the only idiom that fits.
Which situation best describes 'makan hati'?
Situasi mana yang paling tepat untuk 'makan hati'?
Option C involves long-term resentment caused by a person's behavior, which is the definition of 'makan hati.'
Complete the dialogue.
Andi: 'Kenapa wajahmu murung?' | Budi: 'Aku sedang ____ gara-gara kelakuan bosku.'
Budi is upset because of his boss's behavior, making 'makan hati' the correct choice.
Match the idiom to the feeling.
Match 'Makan Hati' with its emotional state.
'Makan hati' is the quintessential Indonesian expression for internalizing resentment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Makan Hati vs. Sakit Hati
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSiska sudah tidak tahan lagi, dia selalu ____ karena suaminya sering berbohong.
In the context of a husband lying, 'makan hati' (suffering in silence) is the only idiom that fits.
Situasi mana yang paling tepat untuk 'makan hati'?
Option C involves long-term resentment caused by a person's behavior, which is the definition of 'makan hati.'
Andi: 'Kenapa wajahmu murung?' | Budi: 'Aku sedang ____ gara-gara kelakuan bosku.'
Budi is upset because of his boss's behavior, making 'makan hati' the correct choice.
Match 'Makan Hati' with its emotional state.
'Makan hati' is the quintessential Indonesian expression for internalizing resentment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word or rude. It's a very common way to express deep sadness or resentment.
Usually, no. It implies a recurring issue or a long-term feeling of being hurt.
Not exactly. 'Heartbroken' (patah hati) is for the end of a romance. 'Makan hati' is for the suffering *during* a relationship or situation.
The 'eating' metaphor suggests that the emotion is consuming you from the inside out.
It's understood, but 'menderita batin' is preferred in formal writing.
Yes, anyone can use it, though it's often associated with the 'suffering wife' trope in media.
No, 'makan hati' is always negative. For positive heart idioms, use 'senang hati' (happy heart).
Yes, that's a perfect way to say 'I am currently suffering in silence.'
'Sakit hati' is a sharp, immediate pain. 'Makan hati' is a slow, heavy resentment.
Yes, it's very common to 'makan hati' because of a difficult boss.
Related Phrases
Sakit hati
similarHurt feelings
Makan angin
contrastTo go for a stroll / travel
Makan teman
similarTo betray a friend
Berat hati
relatedReluctant
