How to Say "Boyfriend" in Indonesian

pacar

/ˈpat͡ʃar/

The Indonesian word for boyfriend is pacar.

pacar is a noun used to describe a male or female partner in a romantic relationship.

Meaning: male partner in a romantic relationship (noun)

Which one should you use?

While the English word "boyfriend" is gender-specific, pacar is gender-neutral and can mean either a boyfriend or a girlfriend.

/ˈpatʃar/

Do not assume that pacar is a masculine term. It refers to a romantic partner regardless of their gender.

The word pacar originally referred to 'henna', a dye used to color skin or hair.
In Indonesia, the concept of pacaran (the act of dating) is often viewed as a formal step toward marriage rather than just casual dating.
Depending on the region, some people may use the term kekasih instead of pacar to imply a deeper, more poetic or soulmate-like love.

Aku kira Tom pacarmu.
I thought Tom was your boyfriend.
This sentence shows how to use pacar to identify someone's partner.
Tatoeba #12405640 by HAGNi, translation #5271921 by Hybrid
Aku tidak punya pacar.
I don't have a boyfriend.
This sentence illustrates how to state that you do not have a pacar.
Tatoeba #11214994 by Pacific, translation #2234871 by Hybrid
Dia tidak punya pacar.
He has no boyfriend.
This sentence demonstrates how to say that someone else does not have a pacar.
Tatoeba #11324874 by Pacific, translation #11466413 by timmartin
Aku akan pergi makan malam dengan pacarku malam ini.
I'm going to have dinner with my boyfriend tonight.
32 more sentences on Tatoeba

Indah and Dimas are chatting at a cafe.

Dimas

Indah, apakah kamu punya pacar?
Indah, do you have a boyfriend?
Indah

Tidak, aku sedang sendiri.
No, I am single.
Dimas

Oh, aku kira kamu sudah punya pacar.
Oh, I thought you already had a boyfriend.
Indah

Bukan, Dimas, aku masih jomblo.
No, Dimas, I am still single.

Sources

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