Balinese for Thank You – And When to Use It (Spoiler: Always!)
How to Say Thank You in Balinese ?
Short Answer
“In Balinese, ‘thank you’ is Suksma — pronounced SOOKS-meh (that final ‘a’ whispers like an ‘e’).
Want to sound like you’ve got manners? Say Matur Suksma (ma-TOOR SOOKS-meh) — the Balinese equivalent of tipping your imaginary hat.”
Quick Context: When to Use Which
- Casual “Suksma”: For when someone saves your day (or your breakfast):
- The warung owner who “accidentally” gives you extra sambal
- Your scooter guy after he swaps your wobbly death-trap for a real bike
- Formal “Matur Suksma”: For next-level gratitude:
- When your villa host fixes both your WiFi and your existential crisis
- The temple priest who blesses your Tinder matches (hey, miracles happen)
🧳Read : Ampura – How to Say “Sorry” in Balinese
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Why ‘Thank You’ is Your Bali BFF
This little word does heavy lifting:
- Turns side-eye into smiles 😊 → 😍
- Upgrades your “tourist” label to “cool foreigner”
- Might just score you free pisang goreng (because karma is delicious)
It’s not just politeness — it’s cultural cheat code.
Pro tip: Pair it with a sembah (prayer hands) for bonus respect points. And that? Worth more than a IDR 50k tip.
This hand-drawn guide makes learning how to say thank you in Balinese as easy (and fun) as a sunset beach nap. 😎☀️
⚠️ Critical Warning
Do NOT accidentally say:
- “Sushi-ma” (you’re not at a Japanese restaurant)
- Sumsum” (bone marrow soup → awkward silence)
🎧 Sound Like a Local
Tap play to master the pronunciation — because ‘SOOKS-ma’ and ‘SOOKS-meh’ are not the same battle:”
Tourist vs. Pro: The Thank You Showdown
| Role | What They Say | Local Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| 🧢 Tourist | 🗣️ “Terima kasih!” (Indonesian) | 😊 “Cute. Next.” |
| 🎯 Pro | 🗣️ “Suksma!” (Balinese) | 🤯 “WAIT, YOU’RE SECRETLY BALINESE?!” |
See? One word = instant upgrade. Now go collect those free coconuts.
Read : Luggage Storage Bali Only IDR 25K/Bag/Day
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Cultural Context: Gratitude, the Balinese Way
“Why ‘Suksma’ is More Than a Word — It’s a Vibe Check”
“In Bali, gratitude isn’t just a transaction — it’s a spiritual WiFi connection. The island runs on harmony (Tri Hita Karana), and a heartfelt ‘Suksma’ plugs you straight into the grid.“
Why It Matters
Forget Google Translate — a sincere Suksma does what 100 earnest English words can’t. Pair it with:
- 😊 A smile that reaches your eyes (no resting tourist face)
- 🙇 A slight bow (think: nod to a teacher, not full yoga prostration)
Boom. You’ve just upgraded from foreigner to honored guest.
Even your Insta stories will feel more authentic.
‘Suksma Ngih’ — The Balinese Cherry on Top
Want to sound even more local and charming?
Say: “Suksma Ngih” (pronounced SOOKS-meh ENG-ih)
— which roughly means “Thank you, yes” or simply “Thank you indeed.”
🎧 Sound Like a Local
Breakdown:
- Suksma = thanks
- Ngih = Balinese yes (not the “yasss queen” kind)
Use it like:
- After a stranger guides you out of a rice-field maze (true story).
- When a local shares their jukut urab recipe —
“Suksma ngih! My taste buds salute you!”
Silent Gratitude: When Words Just Ruin the Moment
🚫🗣️ No words? No problem.
Do this: Press palms together at your chest (called sembah), bow slightly, and channel your inner zen monk.
Perfect for:
- 🛕 Temple offerings (“thanks, gods”)
- 🌅 Sunset beach moments (too majestic for small talk)
- 🥵 When you’re that sweaty after hiking Batur (speechless gratitude)
Scene Check: How to Say Thank You Like a Local
| Situation | What to Do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Warung win 🍜 | “Suksma!” + smile | Extra sambal + auntie adoption papers |
| Massage bliss 💆 | *“Matur Suksma” + 20k tip* | Happy hands + karma points |
| Temple moment 🛕 | Sembah + whisper | Divine approval ✅ |
Final Wisdom :
Remember: ‘Thank you’ in Bali isn’t a phrase — it’s a state of being.
Master this, and you’ll unlock:
- Secret smiles from grandmas
- Free klepon (sticky rice balls)
- That “I’m not a tourist, I’m a repeat offender” confidence 😎
But Wait, Isn’t ‘Terima Kasih’ Also a Thing?
“Short answer: Yes, but…
‘Terima kasih’ (Indonesian) works everywhere in Bali — it’s like the universal remote of gratitude.
But ‘Suksma’? That’s the secret handshake that unlocks ‘wah, bisa Bahasa Bali ya!’ smiles.”
Key Scenarios:
- Forgot everything? → Smile + “Terima kasih” = still polite.
- Want extra credit? → “Suksma” = Cue the “foreigner-to-friend” glow-up.
Pro Tip:
“Practice ‘Suksma’ on low-stakes targets first:
- The warung auntie who ‘accidentally’ gives you extra sambal
- Your scooter rental guy (before he sees your driving skills)
- That dog who escorted you home through the rice fields (gratitude is universal).”
Mini-quiz: “Which ‘thank you’ fits?
- Driver returns your lost phone → ___
- Cashier hands change → ___
(Answers: Matur Suksma / Suksma)
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Beyond ‘Suksma’: Level-Up Your Gratitude Game
“Congrats! You’ve nailed ‘Suksma’ so hard, a Balinese grandma just beamed at you. Now she says ‘Suksma!’ back… and you’re standing there like 🐶 (‘Do I… bark? Smile? Panetone?’).
Fear not—time to drop ‘Suksma Mewali’ (SOOKS-meh meh-WAH-lee).
This colorful guide shows how to respond like a local when someone says “Suksma”—with a respectful “Suksma Mewali” or the chill shortcut “Mewali!” Complete with the graceful sembah gesture, it’s your one-glance crash course in heartfelt Balinese gratitude.
What It Really Means ?
Literally: ‘Thank you back’.
Philosophically: ‘Your kindness boomerangs right to you’.
Use it when:
- Someone thanks you for not getting lost (against all odds)
- A shop owner says thanks after you support their business? → “Suksma mewali.
- A monkey didn’t steal your snacks because someone warned you in time?
→ Say it with heartfelt flair: “Suksma mewali!” (Add eye sparkle for effect. 🐒
✅For official guidance on Balinese language and cultural phrases, visit the Balai Bahasa Provinsi Bali (Bali Provincial Language Center), under Indonesia’s Ministry of Education.
Pro Hack: The Lazy (But Legit) Version
*”Locals often shortcut to just ‘Mewali!’—the Balinese ‘no worries’.
Tone it right:
- Chill vibe → ‘meh-WAH-lee’ (like shrugging off praise)
- Deep gratitude → ‘SUKS-meh meh-WAH-lee’ (hands in sembah mode)
So next time someone hits you with a heartfelt “Suksma”, you can smile and reply with a confident,
“Mewali !” ✨
🎧 Tap to hear ‘Suksma Mewali’ vs. ‘Mewali’—and nail the ~vibes~
Whether you go full formal with “Suksma Mewali” or chill with just “Mewali”, the point is: you’re in the convo, not just in the country.
Bonus Vibes: The Non-Verbal Touch
💫 Palms together at your chest, slight bow = next-level respect
This gesture, called “sembah”, is like the Balinese namaste, but more nuanced. It’s not just polite — it’s poetic.
⚠️ Confidence Tip
“Worried you’ll overdo it? Impossible. Balinese culture thrives on earnest effort—even if you accidentally whisper ‘sushi meow’. Just smile. They’ll adore you.”
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FAQ: Gratitude Edition – Balinese For Thank You
✅Balinese script (Aksara Bali) has a beautiful way of writing ‘Suksma’. For official character guides, see the Ministry of Education’s portal.
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✨ Final Conclusion: How to Say “Thank You” in Balinese & Get Free Coconuts
This charming graphic breaks down how to say thank you in Balinese like a local—whether it’s the friendly “Suksma” or the ultra-polite “Matur Suksma”. Practice the pronunciation, flash a smile, and you’re one step closer to that warm Balinese welcome.
You did it! Now you know:
- “Suksma” = Your new Bali BFF
- “Matur Suksma” = For when you really mean it
- “Suksma Ngih” = The cherry on top 🍒
- “Mewali” = So you don’t just stand there like a confused potato 🥔
And remember: Balinese for thank you isn’t just words—it’s sembah, smiles, and sometimes… free snacks.
🚗 Need a Ride? “Suksma” Your Way to a Discount!
Exploring Bali? Hey Bali rents cars for just 500K/12 hours—cheaper than a taxi driver’s “special tourist price.” Show this article, and we’ll throw in a free “How to Say Suksma” cheat sheet!
🧳 Baggage Drama? We’ve Got You!
Stuck with luggage? Store it with us for 25K/day (half the normal 50K rate!). Mention this article, and we’ll even teach you how to say “thank you” in Balinese while you wait.
💬 Parting Wisdom (a.k.a. A Joke to Make You Sembah-Laugh):
“Why did the tourist say ‘Suksma’ to a coconut?
…Because it was shell-flessly helpful! 🥥
Now go forth, say ‘Suksma’ like a pro, and watch those Balinese smiles multiply! (And if all else fails, just sembah and pray for WiFi.)
(P.S. Monkeys respect Suksma more than they respect your sunscreen. True story.)
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Meet the Author
Giostanovlatto is a self-proclaimed “professional wanderluster” who believes that life is too short to stay in one place. When he’s not busy chasing sunsets or hunting for the best local food, you can find him striking up conversations with strangers (who often become friends by the end of the trip).
