kakak laki-laki
/ˈkakaʔ ˌlaki ˈlaki/word by word
The English phrase "big brother" is translated into Indonesian as kakak laki-laki.
Kakak laki-laki is used to refer to an older brother.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of kakak (older sibling) and laki-laki (male/man).
Which one should you use?
While kakak laki-laki refers to an older brother, adik laki-laki is used to refer to a younger brother.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my big brother", you add the possessive suffix -ku to the end of the phrase, resulting in kakak laki-lakiku.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkakaʔ ˌlaki ˈlaki/
Did you know?
- In certain Indonesian social contexts, a woman might call her husband kakak as a term of endearment, treating him as her 'big brother' figure.
- The word kakak is thought by some linguists to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the repetitive sounds a child might make when learning to speak.
- Because kakak is a generic term for an older sibling, it is often used as a respectful way to address strangers who are slightly older than you.
Examples in context
- Di mana kakak laki-lakiku?Where's my big brother?This sentence is useful for asking the location of your kakak laki-laki.Tatoeba #13741115 by HAGNi, translation #13430227 by frpzzd
- Abang, ayo main bola bersama!Big brother, let's play soccer together!
- Kak, apa kabar? Sudah makan belum?Hey, big brother, how are you? Have you eaten yet?
- Dia adalah kakak laki-laki saya.He is my big brother.
- Kakak laki-laki saya sangat tinggi.My big brother is very tall.
Example conversation
Putri and Adi are talking about Putri's family at a cafe.
- PutriApakah kamu punya kakak laki-laki?Do you have an older brother?
- AdiYa, saya punya satu kakak laki-laki.Yes, I have one big brother.
- PutriApakah kakak laki-lakimu tinggal di sini?Does your big brother live here?
- AdiTidak, dia tinggal di Bandung.No, he lives in Bandung.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kakak, laki-laki) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kakak, laki-laki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
