Sampurasun Meaning, Response, and Other Sundanese Greetings
Introduction Sampurasun is a common greeting in Sundanese culture, used when meeting someone or addressing a group in a particular setting. This phrase is deeply rooted in Sundanese tradition and reflects the values of politeness and respect. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Sampurasun, the appropriate response, and other common Sundanese greetings.
Meaning of Sampurasun and How to Respond
According to Dr. Abdurrahman Misno BP, MEI, in his book The Secret Of Salam: Rahasia Ucapan Salam Dalam Islam, Sampurasun originates from the word “Sampura” (derived from hampura), which means “excuse me” or “forgive me” in Sundanese. It carries the same meaning as punten (excuse me), and its full meaning is “I humbly ask for forgiveness” (abdi nyuhunkeun dihapunten in Sundanese).
This greeting is a form of humility and a way of seeking forgiveness before engaging in conversation. It also symbolizes a mutual prayer for perfection and harmony among individuals. When someone says Sampurasun, the correct response is Rampes, which means “it is forgiven” or “granted.”
Explanation of Sampurasun in Sundanese
Sampurasun téh mangrupakeun kecap salam dina basa Sunda anu mindeng dianggo dina pasamoan atawa nalika papanggih batur. Ieu kecap asalna tina “sampura” anu sarua hartina jeung hampura, nu hartina nyuhunkeun dihampura. Hartina nyuhunkeun hampura ka balaréa sateuacan ngamimitian paguneman.
Lamun aya nu nyarios Sampurasun, jawaban anu leres nyaéta Rampes, nu hartina “hampura ditampi” atanapi “sagala alus.” Ieu mangrupa bentuk kasopanan jeung rasa hormat dina budaya Sunda.
Other Sundanese Greetings
Besides Sampurasun, there are several other common greetings in Sundanese, as compiled from the Sundanese-Indonesian Dictionary by R. Satjadibrata.
1. Punten
Punten means “excuse me” in Sundanese. It is similar to Sampurasun but is more commonly used when passing in front of someone, entering a house, or joining a group. Punten can also be used to ask for forgiveness in polite (lemes) Sundanese. The usual response to punten is mangga (please/go ahead).
Examples:
- Punten, bade tumaros, upami bumina Rehan palih mananya?
(Excuse me, may I ask, where is Rehan’s house?) - Punten nya, bilih abdi gaduh salah ka anjen.
(Sorry, if I made any mistakes toward you.) - Punten kang, bade lewat.
(Excuse me, sir, I need to pass.)
2. Damang
Damang is a polite way of asking about someone’s well-being. The informal or casual equivalent is cageur. It is often used with “Kumaha,” forming the phrase Kumaha damang? or Kumaha cageur?, which means “How are you?” or “Are you well?”
Examples:
- Kamana wae kang tara pendak, kumaha damang?
(Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in a while. How are you?) - Pak Angga kumaha damang?
(Mr. Angga, how are you?) - Kumaha dararamang sadayana?
(How is everyone?)
3. Wilujeng
Wilujeng means “good” or “safe,” often used as part of greetings such as “Good morning” or “Good evening.” It is commonly used in formal settings or during events.
Examples:
- Wilujeung enjing sadayana
(Good morning, everyone.) - Wilujeng siang bapak ibu guru
(Good afternoon, teachers.) - Wilujeng wengi pak, kumaha damang?
(Good evening, sir, how are you?)
4. Keur Naon or Nuju Naon
Keur naon or nuju naon means “What are you doing?” It is often used casually among close friends.
Examples:
- Nuju naon A?
(What are you doing, sister?) - Timana euy? Nuju naon tadi?
(Where have you been? What were you doing?)
Conclusion
Sundanese greetings, especially Sampurasun, reflect the cultural values of respect, humility, and politeness. Knowing these expressions can help foster better communication and appreciation for Sundanese traditions. Whether you’re greeting someone formally or casually, using the right phrases ensures a warm and respectful interaction.
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