bahasa Cina
In Malay, "chinese" is bahasa Cina.
bahasa Cina is used to refer to the standard language of China. While it is often used as a general term for the Chinese language, it is distinct from bahasa Mandarin, which refers specifically to the Mandarin dialect.
Meaning: the standard language of China (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bahasa Cina is composed of bahasa (language) and Cina (Chinese).
Which one should you use?
bahasa Cina is used generally for the Chinese language, whereas bahasa Mandarin is used specifically to denote the Mandarin dialect.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the state of Melaka, the term Cina Peranakan is often used to refer to the Straits Chinese or Peranakan Chinese community.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Cina can function as both a noun, meaning a Chinese person and an adjective, meaning Chinese or relating to China.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using bahasa China, which literally means "China language." Instead, use the correct term bahasa Cina to refer to the language of the Chinese people and culture.
Did you know?
- The word Cina is a phonetic transcription of the Sanskrit Cīna, which likely refers to the ancient 'Qin' dynasty.
- The term Cina Peranakan denotes a unique blended cultural identity of the Straits Chinese rather than just an ethnic label.
Examples in context
- Walaupun saya boleh bertutur dalam bahasa Cina, saya tidak boleh membaca tulisannya.Even though I can speak Chinese, I can't read it.This sentence demonstrates the ability to speak bahasa Cina while noting a difficulty in reading its script.Tatoeba #5001976 by Adou_Fr, translation #7594642 by feudalism
- Orang Cina merupakan komuniti yang berjaya dan berdaya saing di Malaysia.The Chinese community is successful and competitive in Malaysia.
- Bangsa Cina menyumbang kepada pelbagai aspek kebudayaan Malaysia.The Chinese ethnicity contributes to various aspects of Malaysian culture.
- Banyak makanan sedap dari restoran Cina.There is delicious food from Chinese restaurants.
- Tauke Cina itu memiliki kedai kecil yang sangat popular.That Chinese boss owns a very popular small shop.
- Cina Peranakan memiliki budaya yang kaya dan unik di Melaka.The Peranakan Chinese have a rich and unique culture in Melaka.
- Dia sedang belajar bahasa Cina.She is studying Chinese.
- Buku ini ditulis dalam bahasa Cina.This book is written in Chinese.
Example conversation
Amir and Siti are talking about a new book in a library.
- AmirAdakah awak tahu bahasa Cina?Do you know Chinese?
- SitiSaya hanya tahu sedikit bahasa Cina.I only know a little Chinese.
- AmirSiti, boleh awak bantu saya dengan buku ini?Siti, can you help me with this book?
- SitiMaaf, saya tidak faham bahasa Cina.Sorry, I do not understand Chinese.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chinese” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cina, bahasa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
