Meaning
A person who likes to give or help others.
Cultural Background
In Javanese culture, 'murah hati' is linked to the concept of 'Andhap Ashor' (humility and kindness). A person of high status is expected to be generous to those below them to maintain social harmony. The Minang people are known for their trading skills, but they also emphasize 'Sadaqah' (charity). Being 'murah hati' is seen as a way to ensure their business remains blessed. Generosity in Bali is often seen in the context of 'Banjar' (community groups) and religious offerings. Sharing food after a ceremony is a common act of being 'murah hati.' In big cities like Jakarta, 'murah hati' is often expressed through digital platforms like Kitabisa (crowdfunding). It's common to see people sharing donation links as an act of collective generosity.
Complimenting Elders
Using 'murah hati' to describe an elder's kindness is a very respectful way to show appreciation in Indonesian culture.
Don't say 'Hati Murah'
Always keep the order 'Murah' then 'Hati'. Swapping them makes it sound like you're shopping for cheap chicken livers at the market!
Meaning
A person who likes to give or help others.
Complimenting Elders
Using 'murah hati' to describe an elder's kindness is a very respectful way to show appreciation in Indonesian culture.
Don't say 'Hati Murah'
Always keep the order 'Murah' then 'Hati'. Swapping them makes it sound like you're shopping for cheap chicken livers at the market!
Religious Nuance
In Islamic contexts, 'murah hati' is often linked to 'Ikhlas' (sincerity). Giving is only 'murah hati' if you don't brag about it.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
Dia selalu membantu orang miskin, dia sangat ____.
Helping the poor is an act of generosity, which is 'murah hati.'
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
'Murah hati' describes a person's character, not the price of shoes or literal organs.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Terima kasih sudah membayar makan siangku.' B: 'Sama-sama!' A: 'Kamu memang teman yang ____.'
Paying for someone's lunch is a generous act.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Pasangkan idiom dengan artinya:
These are three common 'hati' idioms with distinct meanings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDia selalu membantu orang miskin, dia sangat ____.
Helping the poor is an act of generosity, which is 'murah hati.'
Pilih kalimat yang benar:
'Murah hati' describes a person's character, not the price of shoes or literal organs.
A: 'Terima kasih sudah membayar makan siangku.' B: 'Sama-sama!' A: 'Kamu memang teman yang ____.'
Paying for someone's lunch is a generous act.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are three common 'hati' idioms with distinct meanings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfectly fine in a formal speech or a letter.
It's better not to. In Indonesian culture, calling yourself 'murah hati' sounds arrogant. Let others say it about you!
The most common opposite is 'pelit' (stingy) or 'kikir' (very stingy/miserly).
Yes, anatomically 'hati' is the liver. However, in Indonesian psychology and language, it functions exactly like the English 'heart.'
Yes, a company that does a lot of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) can be described as 'perusahaan yang murah hati.'
Related Phrases
Dermawan
synonymPhilanthropic / Charitable
Baik hati
similarKind-hearted
Pelit
contrastStingy
Kemurahan hati
builds onGenerosity (noun)
