Meaning of Dirgahayu in Independence Day Greetings, Also Know the Correct Spelling

Kapanlagi.com - The word 'dirgahayu' is certainly quite familiar to us. At least, we will encounter it once a year on the commemoration of Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, 1945. On that historic day, the word 'dirgahayu' appeared in congratulatory messages full of spirit. So, what is the actual meaning of 'dirgahayu'?

Although it is quite familiar, the fact is that many people still do not know the meaning of the word 'dirgahayu'. Actually, it is understandable, because this word is not commonly used. Even in daily life, the word 'dirgahayu' is rarely or almost never used in birthday greetings for others. Why is that?

To find out the meaning of 'dirgahayu' and answer the above question, let's take a look at the following discussion that has been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources. 

1. Meaning of Dirgahayu

(credit: unsplash)

As mentioned earlier, the word 'dirgahayu' often appears in congratulatory messages on Independence Day. Therefore, it is suspected that the actual meaning of 'dirgahayu' is not far from congratulatory messages and prayers on birthdays in general.

The meaning of 'dirgahayu' itself has been recorded in the Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI). According to KBBI, the meaning of 'dirgahayu' is 'long-lived'. However, more specifically, KBBI also explains that the use of the word 'dirgahayu' is more directed towards countries or organizations that are celebrating their anniversary.

That means, in congratulatory messages on Independence Day, the word 'dirgahayu' can mean a prayer for the Indonesian nation and country to be everlasting and prosperous forever.

2. Correct Usage of Dirgahayu

As mentioned earlier, the meaning of dirgahayu is 'longevity'. Therefore, writing the word dirgahayu followed by a year is a mistake. Unfortunately, this mistake is quite common as evidenced by the fact that many people write 'Dirgahayu Ri ke-77'.

Referring to the explanation above, the meaning of dirgahayu is 'longevity'. This means that the presence of the 77th year will actually make it ambiguous. This is because there is an assumption that it refers to the longevity of the 77th year. It sounds strange and illogical.

In addition, there are also those who write the word dirgahayu accompanied by HUT or Hari Ulang Tahun, which means 'Dirgahayu HUT RI ke-77'. This is also wrong and ambiguous. If clarified, it could mean 'Long live the 77th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day'.

So, what is the correct usage of dirgahayu?

The correct usage of dirgahayu is simply without including a year (even in Roman numerals). Writing dirgahayu should also avoid 'HUT' or 'Hari Ulang Tahun' and other words that could make it ambiguous. Therefore, the most correct usage of the word dirgahayu, some examples of which are as follows:

1. Dirgahayu RI

2. Dirgahayu Republik Indonesia

3. Dirgahayu Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia

3. Words of Congratulation for Dirgahayu

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If only writing "Dirgahayu RI" or "Dirgahayu Republik Indonesia" feels too monotonous, you can write a longer sentence to congratulate the Independence Day. Even with poetic and inspiring language. This way can also make the meaning of dirgahayu as a 'prayer for long life' feel more inspiring.

Here are some references for dirgahayu congratulatory words to commemorate the Independence Day.

1. "Indonesia is not just a name. There are memories, love, and wounds there, a place to explore and return. There are me and you who try to fix it, with our simple and tireless ways. Dirgahayu, my Indonesia!"

2. "Once independent, always independent! If we feel that we have been independent, then the feeling of weakness and helplessness should no longer linger within us. Dirgahayu, Republic of Indonesia."

3. "Let us remember all the past heroes who fought for our independence and unity. Dirgahayu, Republic of Indonesia."

4. "Keep fighting by pouring a lot of sweat. Spirit of '45, Dirgahayu my Indonesia."

5. "Let us fight together for a fair and prosperous Indonesia. Dirgahayu Indonesia."

6. "My struggle was easier because I fought against the colonizers, your struggle is harder because you fight against your own people. Dirgahayu, Republic of Indonesia!"

7. "Always maintain the spirit of patriotism, shine within you, be proud to be Indonesia. Dirgahayu Independence Day of Indonesia!"

8. "The struggle for independence against the colonizers may have ended, but the struggle against indifference from ourselves continues. Dirgahayu my Indonesia."

9. "A nation that does not believe in its own strength as a nation cannot stand as a free nation. Long live, Republic of Indonesia."

3. "Let us remember all the past heroes who fought for our independence and unity. Long live the Republic of Indonesia."

4. "Keep fighting by pouring in a lot of sweat. Spirit of '45, my beloved Indonesia."

5. "Let us fight together for a fair and prosperous Indonesia. Long live Indonesia."

6. "My struggle was easier because I drove out the colonizers, your struggle is harder because you fight against your own people. Long live the Republic of Indonesia!"

7. "Always maintain the spirit of patriotism, shine within yourself, be proud to be Indonesian. Long live the Independence of Indonesia!"

8. "The struggle for independence against the colonizers is over, but the struggle against apathy from within ourselves continues. Long live my Indonesia."

9. "A nation that does not believe in its own strength as a nation, cannot stand as a free nation. Happy Independence Day, Indonesia."

Those are some of the explanations about the meaning of dirgahayu and the correct way to write it. Hopefully, it's useful and can broaden your knowledge. Be careful not to make mistakes again, okay?

(kpl/gen/psp)