Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| cantik | /ˈt͡ʃantek/ /ˈt͡ʃantik/ |
| indah | |
| molek |
The term beautiful in Malay can be expressed through several different words depending on whether you are describing a person, a landscape or an object. While cantik is a general-purpose word for attractiveness, you can emphasize beauty by adding the word sangat before the adjective (e.g., sangat cantik for very beautiful). In informal contexts, you can add the word gila after an adjective to emphasize beauty, similar to saying something is 'crazy beautiful'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on what is being described. Cantik is a general term for beauty. In contrast, indah is used for abstract or natural beauty, such as a view, a sound or scenery, rather than human physical attractiveness. Molek is a more colloquial term often used to describe something as lovely, cute, neat or aesthetically pleasing in a traditional sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sabah and Sarawak, the word kacak is used to describe someone as beautiful.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the superlative 'most beautiful', place the word paling before the adjective, such as paling cantik.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃantek/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, cantik is used to describe a 'beautiful' or 'perfect' plan and a smooth execution of a task, regardless of any visual aesthetics.
- The word indah is often used in the phrase indah khabar dari rupa, which means 'the news is more beautiful than the appearance'. It is used to describe something that is overhyped.
- While cantik describes beauty, the word gila literally means 'crazy'. Using gila as an intensifier is a common slang practice in Malaysia and Singapore to describe something overwhelmingly beautiful.
Examples in context
- Mary seorang yang cantik dan pintar.Mary is beautiful and intelligent.This sentence uses cantik to describe a person's beauty and intelligence.Tatoeba #10513438 by Kazuki278, translation #2641960 by CK
- Adakah ada taman yang cantik di Jepun?Are there any beautiful parks in Japan?This sentence uses cantik to ask about beautiful parks in a specific location.Tatoeba #4839570 by Adou_Fr, translation #281294 by CM
- Inilah sungai yang paling indah pernah saya lihat.This is the most beautiful river I have ever seen.This sentence uses indah to describe a beautiful river.Tatoeba #9708939 by imperiex, translation #253828 by CC
- Wanita itu sungguh cantik.That woman is very beautiful.
- Pemandangan ini sangat cantik.This scenery is very beautiful.
- Taman ini amat indah.This garden is extremely beautiful.
- Seni itu sungguh indah.That art is truly beautiful.
- Pakaian awak hari ini lawa sangat!Your outfit today is really beautiful!
- Kucing tu memang lawa.That cat is indeed beautiful.
- Bunga-bunga tadi cantik sangat, sangat cun!Those flowers earlier were so, so beautiful!
- Lelaki tu kacak sangat!That guy is extremely handsome!
- Anak perempuan tu memang ayu.That girl is truly beautiful.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmad and Aishah are looking at a photo in a magazine.
- AhmadLihat gambar gadis dalam majalah ini.Look at the girl in this magazine.
- AishahYa, dia seorang yang sangat cantik.Yes, she is a very beautiful person.
- AhmadAishah, adakah kamu suka gaya rambutnya?Aishah, do you like her hairstyle?
- AishahYa, gaya rambut itu sangat cantik.Yes, that hairstyle is very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries cantik, indah, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
