Meaning
Thinking too highly of oneself
Cultural Background
In Javanese culture, 'Andhap Asor' (humility) is the highest social grace. Being 'tinggi hati' is a major social taboo that can lead to being ostracized from the community. The Minang people value egalitarianism. A leader who is 'tinggi hati' is seen as failing the principle of 'duduk sama rendah, tegak sama tinggi' (sitting at the same level, standing at the same height). In big cities like Jakarta, 'tinggi hati' is often used to describe 'OKB' (Orang Kaya Baru - New Money) who show off their wealth in a way that lacks class. In religious sermons, 'tinggi hati' is often equated with 'Takabbur' (pride), which is considered a grave sin in Islam, the majority religion in Indonesia.
The 'Rice' Rule
Always remember the rice proverb. If you want to compliment someone, say they are 'tidak tinggi hati'.
Don't use for 'Proud'
If you are proud of your friend, use 'bangga', not 'tinggi hati'.
Meaning
Thinking too highly of oneself
The 'Rice' Rule
Always remember the rice proverb. If you want to compliment someone, say they are 'tidak tinggi hati'.
Don't use for 'Proud'
If you are proud of your friend, use 'bangga', not 'tinggi hati'.
Noun Form
Use 'ketinggian hati' in essays to sound more academic and advanced.
Social Harmony
Calling someone 'tinggi hati' is a serious critique in Indonesia; use it carefully.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
Meskipun dia orang terkaya di desa, dia tidak ____.
The sentence contrasts wealth with a positive trait (not being arrogant). 'Tinggi hati' means arrogant.
Which word is the opposite (antonym) of 'tinggi hati'?
Lawan kata dari 'tinggi hati' adalah...
'Rendah hati' (low heart) means humble, which is the direct opposite of 'tinggi hati' (high heart).
Match the situation to the phrase.
Seorang artis menolak bersalaman dengan penggemarnya karena merasa dirinya terlalu hebat.
Refusing to shake hands because of a sense of superiority is a classic example of being 'tinggi hati'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Kenapa kamu tidak suka Budi?' | B: 'Karena dia ____, dia selalu pamer mobil barunya.'
Showing off (pamer) is a behavior associated with being 'tinggi hati'.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
1. Tinggi hati | 2. Rendah hati | 3. Besar kepala
Tinggi hati is general arrogance; Rendah hati is humble; Besar kepala is specifically getting a big head from praise.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Tinggi Hati vs. Besar Kepala
Practice Bank
5 exercisesMeskipun dia orang terkaya di desa, dia tidak ____.
The sentence contrasts wealth with a positive trait (not being arrogant). 'Tinggi hati' means arrogant.
Lawan kata dari 'tinggi hati' adalah...
'Rendah hati' (low heart) means humble, which is the direct opposite of 'tinggi hati' (high heart).
Seorang artis menolak bersalaman dengan penggemarnya karena merasa dirinya terlalu hebat.
Refusing to shake hands because of a sense of superiority is a classic example of being 'tinggi hati'.
A: 'Kenapa kamu tidak suka Budi?' | B: 'Karena dia ____, dia selalu pamer mobil barunya.'
Showing off (pamer) is a behavior associated with being 'tinggi hati'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Tinggi hati is general arrogance; Rendah hati is humble; Besar kepala is specifically getting a big head from praise.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is always negative. It describes arrogance and a lack of humility.
Usually only in the negative, e.g., 'Saya harap saya tidak tinggi hati.' Saying 'Saya tinggi hati' would be very strange!
'Sombong' is a direct word for arrogant. 'Tinggi hati' is a more descriptive, idiomatic way to say the same thing.
Anatomically it means liver, but emotionally and idiomatically it always means heart/soul.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a formal speech.
You say 'Jangan tinggi hati.'
No, it only describes people or their behavior.
Yes, 'belagu' or 'songong' are common slang terms for being arrogant.
Indonesian culture is collectivist, meaning harmony and group cohesion are valued over individual pride.
You might use it to describe your values, e.g., 'Saya selalu berusaha untuk tidak tinggi hati dan mau belajar.'
It is the opposite of 'tinggi hati' and means humble. It is a very positive trait.
Close, but 'besar kepala' is specifically about being arrogant after success or praise.
Related Phrases
Rendah hati
contrastHumble
Besar kepala
similarBig-headed
Muka dua
similarTwo-faced
Keras kepala
builds onStubborn
Besar hati
contrastProud/Resilient
Sombong
synonymArrogant
