One of the uniqueness of the Indonesian language is its possession of repeated words. ‘Hati’ means the shape of a heart or a liver (the organ), whereas ‘Hati-hati’ is an expression that can be spoken in various situations. The application and meaning of ‘hati-hati’ depends on the speaker’s intention.
Situation 1
Wah. Anda membuatnya dengan sangat berhati-hati ya.
(Wow, you are making it very carefully.)
Situation 2
A : “Ini tehnya Bu. Hati-hati, masih panas.”
(Here is your tea, Ma’am. Please be careful. It is still hot.)
B: “Terima kasih, Bu.”
(Thank you, Ma’am.)
Situation 3
A: “Bu, saya pulang dulu ya. Sampai jumpa besok.”
(Ma’am, I'm going home now. See you tomorrow.)
B : “Iya, bu.. Hati-hati di jalan, ya”
(Okay, Ma’am. Take care.)
Situation 4
A: “Oh, iya. Ini dokumen yang perlu Anda bawa. Hati-hati, jangan sampai ketinggalan.”
(Here are your paperworks. Please don’t forget them.)
B: “Oh. Terima kasih, Bu.”
(Thank you, Ma’am.)
As it is reflected in each situation, situation 1 described ‘hati-hati’ as a word to point out that someone is doing an action carefully. In situation 2, ‘hati-hati’ worked as a warning expression. Situation 3 marked the use of ‘hati-hati’ as a means of care in a farewell setting. Last but not least, Situation 4 showed how ‘hati-hati’ is used to express a reminder.
More examples:
Situation 1
Lihat, dia memotong daging dengan sangat berhati-hati.
(Look, she chops the meat very carefully.)
Situation 2
A: “Hati-hati, ada banyak kubangan air di depan!”
(Watch out for puddles ahead!)
B: “Ah, benar. Terima kasih.”
(You’re right. Thank you!)
Situation 3
A: “Bolehkah saya meminjam gunting Anda?”
(May I please borrow your scissor?)
B: “Tentu saja. Hati-hati, jangan sampai hilang.”
(Sure, but please don’t lose it.)
Situation 4
A: “Terima kasih sudah mengantar saya pulang. Hati-hati di jalan!”
(Thank you for taking me home. Drive safe!)
B: “Sama-sama. Sampai bertemu lagi!”
(No problem. See you!)
Now it is all clear, isn’t it? Practice by using in different situations when you are with your Indonesian fellows.
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