Family Words and Titles in Malay: Abang, Kakak, Encik and Datuk
Malay family vocabulary, the words used to address older and younger people, and the titles you'll hear in Malaysia and Brunei.
Family words are used far beyond the family in Malay. They are a polite way to address strangers, and titles show respect.
Family words
| English | Malay |
|---|---|
| mother | ibu, emak, mak |
| father | bapa, ayah, abah |
| older brother | abang |
| older sister | kakak, kak |
| younger sibling | adik |
| grandfather | datuk, atuk |
| grandmother | nenek, opah |
| uncle | pak cik, bapa saudara |
| aunt | mak cik, ibu saudara |
| son / daughter | anak lelaki / anak perempuan |
| husband / wife | suami / isteri |
| child | anak |
| cousin | sepupu |
Addressing people
Malay speakers often use family words for people outside the family:
- Abang — an older man, or a young man
- Kakak / Kak — an older woman
- Adik — a younger person
- Pak Cik — an older man
- Mak Cik — an older woman
A customer might call a young shopkeeper abang or kakak. It is warm and respectful.
Formal titles
| Title | Use |
|---|---|
| Encik | Mr |
| Puan | Mrs, Madam |
| Cik | Miss, Ms |
| Tuan | Sir |
| Dr. | doctor |
| Haji / Hajah | one who has made the pilgrimage to Mecca |
| Datuk / Dato' | a Malaysian honorific title |
| Tan Sri / Dato' Sri | higher honorific titles |
Titles come before the name: Encik Ahmad, Puan Siti.
Useful sentences
- Ini keluarga saya. — This is my family.
- Saya ada dua orang abang dan seorang kakak. — I have two older brothers and an older sister.
- Nenek saya tinggal di kampung. — My grandmother lives in the village.
Tips
- Learn abang, kakak and adik.
- Use titles with unfamiliar adults.
- Use the dictionary to check terms.
English Malay Dictionary
Offline English–Malay (Bahasa Melayu) dictionary with clear, accurate meanings
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