Language/Malay-individual-language/Vocabulary/Family-and-Relationships
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As a Malay language teacher with 20 years of experience, I understand the importance of being able to communicate about one's family and relationships. In this lesson, we will cover basic vocabulary needed to talk about family and relationships in Malay.
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Everyday Objects & Computers.
Family
Immediate Family
In Malay culture, family is very important. When meeting someone for the first time, it is common to ask about their family. Here are some words to describe your immediate family:
| Malay (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| bapa | bəpɑː | father |
| ibu | ibu | mother |
| anak | anɑk | child |
| adik | ɑdik | younger sibling |
| kakak | kɑkɑk | older sister |
| abang | abɑŋ | older brother |
- If you have only one older sister, you may add the word "satu" before "kakak".
* Example: Kakak satu (My one older sister)
- If you have only one older brother, you may add the word "satu" before "abang".
* Example: Abang satu (My one older brother)
Extended Family
In Malay culture, extended family is also very important. Malaysians usually have close relations with their extended family members. Here are some terms to describe your extended family:
| Malay (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| nenek | nənək | grandmother |
| datuk | dɑtuk | grandfather |
| makcik | mɑktʃik | aunt (mother's sister) |
| pakcik | pɑktʃik | uncle (father's brother) |
| cikgu | tʃikgu | teacher |
- "Cikgu" is also a general term used for teachers and can be used to address any teacher, not only family members.
Relationships
Malaysians often use different words to refer to different types of relationships. Here are some terms to describe relationships:
| Malay (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| kawan | kɑwɑn | friend |
| rakan | rɑkɑn | acquaintance |
| teman | təmɑn | companion |
| tunangan | tunɑŋɑn | fiancé(e) |
| suami | suɑmi | husband |
| isteri | istəri | wife |
- When speaking about oneself, the word "saya" may be used.
* Example: Saya punya suami (I have a husband)
- When speaking about someone else, the possessive pronouns are used (eg: my, your, his, her)
* Example: Suami saya (My husband), Isteri dia (His wife)
- "Tunangan" may also be used to refer to a fiancé(e) in a general sense.
Speaking Practice
- Practice using the above vocabulary with a partner or with yourself.
- Describe your family and ask your partner about theirs using the terms you have learned.
This concludes our lesson on basic Malay vocabulary for family and relationships. In the next lesson, we will cover travel and transportation. Keep up the good work!
Other Lessons
- Transportation
- Directions
- Feelings and Emotions
- Fish and Seafood
- Health
- City Town
- Numbers and Counting
- Geometry
- Animal
- At the Post Office
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