hebat

Hebat is an Indonesian adjective meaning great, excellent, or impressive. It is used to describe people, events, skills, objects, or ideas that stand out, and it conveys a sense of admiration or high regard.

Usage of hebat is common in everyday speech and media. It can be used before or after the subject, as in “Pemain itu hebat” or “Kreasi itu hebat sekali.” Intensifiers such as “hebat sekali” and “hebat banget” are popular in informal speech. The word forms phrases like “orang hebat” (a remarkable person) or “karya hebat” (a remarkable work). It can also express surprise or praise when exclaimed, for example, “Hebat!” on its own.

Etymology of hebat traces to the Malay-Indonesian language family, and while the exact historical origin is not precisely documented, the term has long been part of Indonesian vocabulary as a general marker of distinction or high quality.

Variations and related usage include the emphatic form “hebatnya” and negations such as “tidak hebat” or “kurang hebat,” which indicate mediocrity or underachievement in contrast to something described as hebat. Common collocations extend beyond people and works to describe performances, deeds, or achievements.

In contemporary Indonesian culture, hebat is a widely understood descriptor across age groups and contexts, including entertainment, journalism, education, and social media. Its versatility and strong positive connotation make it a frequent compliment as well as a general marker of excellence.