hitam
/ˈhitam/
hitam is the Indonesian word for black.
hitam is used to describe the color black, which absorbs all light. It can also function as a noun to refer to the color itself. In a typical sentence, the word for black is placed after the noun it describes, such as in rumah hitam (black house). To intensify the color, you can use the word sangat, for example mata sangat hitam (very black eyes).
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, hitam does not change its form based on gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhitam/
Did you know?
- While hitam means black, Indonesians often use sawo matang (ripe sapodilla) to describe tan or brown skin rather than using a direct color term.
- The word hitam is used in the expression kambing hitam, which literally means 'black goat' but functions as the term for a 'scapegoat'.
- The Indonesian word hitam descends from the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian root *(ma-)qitəm.
Examples in context
- Kami punya anjing hitam.We have a black dog.This sentence shows how to use hitam to describe a dog.Tatoeba #13585174 by HAGNi, translation #8889193 by LinaTamazight
- Kucing hitam itu cantik.Black cats are beautiful.This sentence shows how to use hitam to describe a cat.Tatoeba #13745033 by HAGNi, translation #13629649 by rul
- Kata periuk belanga hitam.The pot calls the kettle black.This sentence uses hitam within a proverb.Tatoeba #12808621 by Tanama, translation #280789 by U2FS
- mobil hitamBlack car
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Indah and Adi are shopping for clothes at a boutique.
- IndahApakah kamu suka gaun hitam ini, Adi?Do you like this black dress, Adi?
- AdiYa, gaun hitam itu sangat cocok untukmu, Indah.Yes, that black dress suits you very well, Indah.
- IndahMenurutmu, apakah warnanya terlalu gelap?Do you think the color is too dark?
- AdiTidak, warna hitam selalu terlihat bagus.No, black always looks good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries hitam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hitam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
