Hentakan

Hentakan is a noun used in Indonesian and Malay to describe a forceful, repeated impact or the sound it creates. It is derived from the verb hentak, meaning to strike, stomp, or hit with repeated force. The term commonly denotes a beat, thump, or cadence produced by such an action, and it can refer both to physical impacts and to audible rhythms.

In music and performance, hentakan often describes the rhythmic accent or backbeat that drives a piece. It can refer to a drum pattern, foot stomping, or other percussive elements that establish tempo and energy. In dance or theater contexts, hentakan may indicate a pronounced, repeated movement that punctuates a phrase or sequence.

Beyond literal sound, hentakan is also used metaphorically. It can describe a sudden emotional or physical impact, such as a pounding heart or a sequence of sharp sensations in a scene. In writing or journalism, the term can convey immediacy or intensity, highlighting a decisive moment or emphasis.

Regional usage varies, and the nuance of hentakan depends on context. While widely understood in everyday Indonesian and Malay, it overlaps with related terms for rhythm, beat, and cadence. Its versatility allows it to describe tangible percussive effects as well as figurative moments of emphasis.

See also: rhythm, beat, percussion, cadence.