ayah
/ˈajah/
In Indonesian, 'dad' is expressed as ayah.
The term ayah is used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ayah is the standard term, it can sound slightly more formal or literary than common household terms depending on the family context. In contrast, Papa is a common informal way to say 'Dad' and Bapak serves as a more formal or respectful term for 'father'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ayah is a formal term for dad in Indonesian. For more formal or respectful situations, use Bapak. In informal settings, especially within urban or middle-class families, Papa is frequently used. Ayah can also lean towards a more literary tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Sundanese culture of West Java, the informal term Abah is used to mean 'dad'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈajah/
Did you know?
- The word ayah may have roots in an ancient Proto-Austronesian term that actually referred to a 'father's sister' or her husband.
- The term Bapak is so versatile that it can function as both a noun for 'father' and a formal way to say 'Sir' in professional settings.
- The Sundanese term Abah is often used not only for fathers but also for grandfathers in certain regions of West Java.
Examples in context
- Ibu, di mana Ayah?Mum, where's Dad?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of ayah.Tatoeba #3888789 by Bilmanda, translation #1002812 by Nihonkage
- Aku tidak punya ayah.I have no dad.This sentence is useful for stating that one does not have an ayah.Tatoeba #13498465 by Pacific, translation #13497748 by frpzzd
- Ayah akan pulang besok.Dad is coming home tomorrow.This sentence is useful for describing when ayah will return home.Tatoeba #11475027 by Pacific, translation #635618 by CM
- Ayah, terima kasih atas segala yang Ayah lakukan untuk kami.Dad, thank you for everything you do for us.
- Bapak, apa kabar? Sudah makan?Dad, how are you? Have you eaten?
- Papa, saya sangat merindukanmu. Kapan kita bisa bertemu lagi?Dad, I miss you so much. When can we meet again?
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sari and Budi are talking about their father at home.
- SariBudi, apakah kamu melihat Ayah?Budi, have you seen Dad?
- BudiTidak, Sari. Ayah di mana?No, Sari. Where is Dad?
- SariTadi Ayah ada di ruang tamu.Dad was in the living room just now.
- BudiOh, mungkin Ayah sedang di taman.Oh, maybe Dad is in the garden.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ayah, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ayah, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
