Daily life
Terima kasih
Standard Indonesian for “thank you”—the everyday phrase you will use most often in Bali, from shops to villa staff.
Terima kasih (pronounced roughly teh-REE-mah KAH-see) is standard Indonesian for “thank you.” It works across Bali in minimarkets, cafés, clinics, offices, and villa staff chat—Bahasa Indonesia is the shared language even when people also speak Balinese at home.
Literally, terima means “receive” and kasih can mean “love” or “giving”—so the phrase carries a little more warmth than English “thanks,” even when said casually.
The usual reply is sama-sama (“you’re welcome,” literally “same-same”). You will hear that loop dozens of times a week: driver drops you off, you thank, they answer sama-sama.
When you want deeper thanks with Balinese speakers—after extra help, a ceremony, or a thoughtful gesture—matur suksma (“thank you very much” in Balinese) often lands with more personal warmth. You do not have to choose one forever; many long-stayers use terima kasih daily and reach for matur suksma when it genuinely fits.
Neither phrase substitutes respectful address. With owners, officials, or senior neighbors, pair thanks with Bapak / Ibu and a calm tone—especially in money or contract conversations.