Signification
Expressing a high level of joy.
Contexte culturel
In Javanese culture, expressing 'senang sekali' is often accompanied by 'sungkan' (polite modesty). You might say you are happy but follow it with a humble comment about not deserving it. In the capital, 'senang sekali' is often seen as a bit formal. Young people will almost exclusively use 'seneng banget' or even the English 'happy banget' to sound trendy. In Bali, expressing joy is often linked to communal ceremonies. Being 'senang sekali' often implies being happy because the community or family is together. Cultures in Sumatra tend to be more direct and boisterous. 'Senang sekali' might be shouted with a big laugh and a slap on the back, showing high energy and 'semangat' (spirit).
The 'Banget' Switch
If you want to sound like a local in Jakarta, swap 'sekali' for 'banget'. It immediately boosts your fluency credit!
Word Order Matters
Never say 'Sekali senang'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from English.
Signification
Expressing a high level of joy.
The 'Banget' Switch
If you want to sound like a local in Jakarta, swap 'sekali' for 'banget'. It immediately boosts your fluency credit!
Word Order Matters
Never say 'Sekali senang'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally from English.
Smile as you say it
In Indonesia, the verbal expression 'senang sekali' is almost always paired with a genuine smile. It's part of the 'Ramah Tamah' culture.
Use it for 'Nice to meet you'
Don't just say 'Halo'. Adding 'Senang sekali berkenalan dengan Anda' makes a fantastic first impression.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word order to say 'I am very happy'.
Saya ____ ____.
In Indonesian, the intensifier 'sekali' must follow the adjective 'senang'.
Fill in the blank to complete the polite greeting.
Senang sekali ________ dengan Anda.
'Berkenalan' means 'to get acquainted'. 'Senang sekali berkenalan dengan Anda' is 'Very happy to meet you'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: You just received a promotion at work.
A promotion is a happy event, so 'senang sekali' is the best fit.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ini kopi untukmu. B: Wah, terima kasih! Saya ______ ______.
The speaker is expressing gratitude and joy for the coffee.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sekali vs Sangat
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSaya ____ ____.
In Indonesian, the intensifier 'sekali' must follow the adjective 'senang'.
Senang sekali ________ dengan Anda.
'Berkenalan' means 'to get acquainted'. 'Senang sekali berkenalan dengan Anda' is 'Very happy to meet you'.
Situation: You just received a promotion at work.
A promotion is a happy event, so 'senang sekali' is the best fit.
A: Ini kopi untukmu. B: Wah, terima kasih! Saya ______ ______.
The speaker is expressing gratitude and joy for the coffee.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your friends. It is always safe.
Yes! 'Bagus sekali' (very good), 'Besar sekali' (very big), 'Enak sekali' (very delicious).
'Senang' is a feeling of happiness. 'Suka' means 'to like' something. However, 'Saya senang membaca' also means 'I like reading'.
In informal Indonesian, especially in Java and Jakarta, the 'a' often changes to an 'e' sound. It sounds more relaxed.
No. 'Sekali-kali' means 'once in a while' or 'occasionally'. It changes the meaning entirely!
Yes, it's very common to say 'Kami senang sekali menerima kabar dari Anda' (We are very happy to hear from you).
You would say 'Saya tidak terlalu senang'. You don't usually use 'sekali' in negative sentences this way.
No, it can also mean 'once'. For example, 'Saya ke sana sekali' means 'I went there once'. Context tells you which is which.
The most common response is 'Saya juga' (Me too) or 'Senang berkenalan dengan Anda juga'.
No, you use it for people's feelings. For objects, you might use 'bagus sekali' (very good) or 'indah sekali' (very beautiful).
Expressions liées
Sangat senang
synonymVery happy
Seneng banget
informalSuper happy
Bahagia sekali
similarExtremely happy/blessed
Gembira sekali
similarVery joyful/excited
Puas sekali
specialized formVery satisfied
Ceria
similarCheerful
