dinosaur
The English word dinosaur is translated into Malay as dinosaur. Wiktionary also lists denosor.
Meaning: prehistoric reptile (noun)
Ways to say it
| Malay | Note |
|---|---|
| dinosaur | |
| denosor | Malaysia, nonstandard |
The word refers to prehistoric reptiles. You may also use the term Pterodaktul specifically when referring to a Pterodactyl.
Which one should you use?
dinosaur is the standard form, while denosor is a nonstandard variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form denosor is used in Malaysia.
Did you know?
- While dinosaur is used for the animal, Malay speakers may use the term as a metaphor for someone who is obsolete or outdated in their thinking.
- When describing a dinosaur as 'giant', Malaysians use the word gergasi, which is the same term used for the mythical giants found in traditional folk tales.
- The Malay word dinosaur is a loanword, illustrating how scientific terminology in Malay often adopts English terms directly rather than creating new roots.
Examples in context
- Untuk mengajar anak-anak tentang sejarah, kita perlu memberikan mereka pendedahan tentang dinosaurus.To educate children about history, we need to expose them to dinosaurs.
- Tadi dalam kartun, saya tengok dino tu berlari sangat laju!Just now in the cartoon, I saw the dino running very fast!
- Dinosaur itu sangat besar.That dinosaur is very large.
- Saya suka melihat buku tentang dinosaur.I like looking at books about dinosaurs.
- Adakah dinosaur masih hidup sekarang?Are dinosaurs still alive now?
Example conversation
Nur and Amir are visiting a natural history museum.
- NurTengok Amir, dinosaur itu sangat tinggi!Look Amir, that dinosaur is so tall!
- AmirYa, dinosaur itu memang mengagumkan.Yes, that dinosaur is indeed impressive.
- NurKamu rasa dinosaur makan tumbuhan atau daging?Do you think dinosaurs ate plants or meat?
- AmirSaya rasa dinosaur ini makan tumbuhan.I think this dinosaur ate plants.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dinosaur” translations and entries denosor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
