Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mak cik | /ˌmak ˈt͡ʃik/ | Rumi |
| emak saudara | /əˌmak ˌsauˈdara/ /əˌmak ˌsauˈdarə/ |
Rumi |
| tante | Rumi |
The terms are used to refer to a parent's sister or sister-in-law. Mak cik is a versatile term that is also used as a respectful way to address any middle-aged woman, even if she is not a biological relative.
What does it mean word for word?
The term emak saudara is a compound of emak (mother) and saudara (sibling/relative).
Which one should you use?
Emak saudara is the formal, more descriptive term for a biological or legal aunt, whereas mak cik is more common in everyday speech. Tante is an informal term for aunt.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mak cik is the most common colloquial way to refer to an aunt or an older woman in a social setting. Emak saudara is the formal, more descriptive term for a biological or legal aunt, while tante is an informal term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tante is often used in urban areas or influenced by Dutch/Indonesian loanwords.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌmak ˈtʃik/
When do people say it?
Mak cik can be used as a respectful way to address any middle-aged woman, even if she is not a biological relative.
Did you know?
- The word saudara is built from the Sanskrit roots for 'having the same' and 'uterus'.
Examples in context
- Mak cik saya ada tiga anak.My aunt has three children.This sentence shows how to use mak cik to talk about a relative.Tatoeba #992054 by Skaty, translation #64930 by CK
- Mak FaridahAunt Faridah
- Mak cik itu sangat baik hati.That aunt is very kind-hearted.
- Bolehkah saya bercakap dengan mak cik awak?Can I speak with your aunt?
Example conversation
Nur and Hafiz are talking about a family gathering.
- NurAdakah mak cik kamu akan datang?Will your aunt be coming?
- HafizYa, mak cik saya akan datang esok.Yes, my aunt will come tomorrow.
- NurBaguslah, saya rindu dia.That's good, I miss her.
- HafizDia pun rindu kamu juga.She misses you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aunt” translations and entries mak cik, emak saudara, tante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cik, emak, emak saudara, mak, mak cik, saudara, tante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
