siap
The English word "chicken" is translated into Balinese as siap. Wiktionary also lists ayam.
Meaning: bird (noun)
Ways to say it
| Balinese |
|---|
| siap |
| ayam |
The term refers to the bird (noun).
Which one should you use?
The choice between the forms depends on the social context: ayam is the common version used in everyday informal conversation, while siap is the polite or high-register version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In Balinese social contexts, you should use siap to show respect, especially when speaking to elders or in formal settings. For everyday, informal conversation, the common form is ayam.
Did you know?
- In Bali, chickens are not just livestock but are central to religious offerings and temple ceremonies.
- Balinese culture features 'sabung ayam', a traditional cockfighting practice that is deeply embedded in local social rituals.
- The high-register word siap likely shares a root with the Indonesian word sayap, meaning 'wing'.
Examples in context
- Tiang ngelah siap siki.I have one chicken.
Example conversation
Made and Kadek are looking at a farm.
- MadeKadek, tingalin siap ento!Kadek, look at that chicken!
- KadekIh, bagus pesan siapne.Oh, the chicken is very beautiful.
- MadeSapa ane ngelah siap ento?Who owns that chicken?
- KadekEnto siap pekenyane Made.That is Made's chicken.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chicken” translations and entries siap, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siap, CC BY-SA 4.0.
