You and Me in Malay: Saya, Aku, Awak, Anda, Kami and Kita

English has one "I" and one "you". Malay has several, and the choice shows your relationship with the listener.

I

Word	Use
saya	polite, neutral: the safe default
aku	informal: close friends, family, songs

You

Word	Use
anda	formal, often in writing and advertising
awak	friendly, common in Malaysia among peers
kamu	informal, to younger people or friends
kau / engkau	very informal, poetic
Encik / Puan / Cik	polite titles, used with or instead of "you"

In Malaysia, people often avoid saying "you" and use a title or a kinship term instead: Abang (older brother), Kakak (older sister), Pak Cik (uncle), Mak Cik (aunt).

He, she, they

Word	Meaning
dia	he or she (no gender)
mereka	they

Malay has no gendered pronouns, so dia covers both.

We: kami and kita

Malay splits "we" in two:

• kami = we, not including the listener.
• kita = we, including the listener.

Examples:

• Kami datang dari London. — We (not you) came from London.
• Kita pergi makan sekarang. — Let's go eat now (you and me).

Polite choices

1. Use saya with strangers.
2. Use titles for older or senior people.
3. Use awak or kamu once you're on friendly terms.
4. Avoid aku and kau unless you know someone well.

In sentences

• Saya suka kopi. — I like coffee.
• Awak nak minum apa? — What would you like to drink?
• Dia guru. — He/she is a teacher.
• Mereka di rumah. — They are at home.

Tips

1. Default to saya.
2. Learn kami versus kita.
3. Use the dictionary to check forms.

Look up any word with English Malay Dictionary →