terima

Terima is an Indonesian and Malay verb meaning “to receive,” “to get,” or “to accept.” It originates from the Old Malay word *térima*, which in turn derives from the Proto‑Austronesian root *-rima* signifying “to take, to obtain.” In contemporary usage, terima functions both as a transitive verb and as part of fixed expressions, most notably the polite formula terima kasih (“thank you”). The phrase combines terima (“receive”) with kasih (“love” or “affection”), literally “receive love,” and is the primary means of expressing gratitude in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore.

Grammatically, terima follows regular verb conjugation patterns in Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Melayu. It can be affixed with the prefix meng‑ (menerima) to form the active voice meaning “to receive,” and with the suffix ‑an (penerimaan) to create nouns such as penerimaan (“receipt” or “acceptance”). The word also appears in compound terms like terima barang (to receive goods) and terima tamu (to receive guests).

Culturally, terima extends beyond literal receipt to convey openness and hospitality. In formal contexts, institutions may use the term in official documents, e.g., “penerimaan mahasiswa” (student admission). The verb’s prominence in everyday speech and its incorporation into polite formulas underscore its importance in the sociolinguistic fabric of the Malay‑speaking world.