sayang
/ˈsajaŋ/
The English word "darling" is translated into Indonesian as sayang.
sayang is the most common term of endearment in Indonesian and is used for romantic partners as well as close family members. Depending on the context, sayang can also function as an interjection meaning "what a pity" or "too bad".
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sayang is a versatile term for an affectionate address, it can also be used to express regret or disappointment, meaning "what a pity", depending on how it is used in a sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my darling" or "my dear", you can add the suffix -ku to the word to form sayangku.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsajaŋ/
Did you know?
- In older Javanese, the word sayang actually referred to a 'coppersmith', a person who works with copper.
- Depending on the region, a person might use sayang to express a sense of wasting something, such as 'sayang sekali' for 'what a great waste'.
Examples in context
- Selamat pagi, kasih. Apa kabar?Good morning, darling. How are you?
- Kamu baik-baik saja, sayangku?Are you doing well, my dear?
- Semua tamu terkasih diminta berkumpul di ruang utama.All beloved guests are requested to gather in the main hall.
- Apa kabar, sayang? Sudah makan?How are you, darling? Have you eaten?
- Cinta, aku rindu padamu.Love, I miss you.
- Sayang, kamu sudah makan?Darling, have you eaten?
- Selamat pagi, sayang.Good morning, darling.
- Aku merindukanmu, sayang.I miss you, darling.
Example conversation
Dimas and Sari are having a sweet moment at home.
- DimasSudah makan, sayang?Have you eaten, darling?
- SariBelum, Dimas.Not yet, Dimas.
- DimasAyo makan bersama.Let's eat together.
- SariTerima kasih, sayang.Thank you, darling.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries sayang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sayang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
