makan
/ˈmakan/
The English verb "eat" is translated into Malay as makan.
makan is the standard verb used to mean eating a meal. In colloquial Malay, this word can also function as a noun to mean "food" or "a meal".
Meaning: eat a meal (verb)
Which one should you use?
While makan is the standard term, menyantap serves as a formal alternative used to convey the act of eating in a particularly polite manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb can change form depending on the sentence structure. The prefixed form memakan is the formal version used in written or structured speech. If the food is the subject of the sentence, such as "The bread is eaten", use the passive form dimakan.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmakan/
When do people say it?
When hosting guests, it is common to use the polite phrase jemput makan, which means "please eat" or "help yourself to eat".
Did you know?
- The term makan angin literally translates to 'eating wind' and is used to mean going for a stroll or taking a vacation.
- While makan means to eat, the phrase makan gaji literally means 'eating a salary' but is used to describe being an employee.
- In many Malay-speaking contexts, the word makan is used as a polite way to ask if someone has 'eaten' as a substitute for asking 'how are you'.
Examples in context
- Saya suka makan pau kaya.I love to eat kaya pau.This sentence shows a preference for eating a specific food using makan.Tatoeba #5200288 by Adou_Fr, translation #8794941 by jessie0422
- Apa yang kita akan makan?What are we going to eat?This sentence uses makan to ask about a future meal.Tatoeba #10700785 by imperiex, translation #3154670 by CK
- Kami tidak makan atau minum.We didn't eat or drink.This sentence uses makan in a negative context regarding eating or drinking.Tatoeba #11029413 by imperiex, translation #10944541 by CM
- Pergi makanGo and eat
- Saya tak sempat makanI don't have time to eat
- Silakan menyantap hidangan yang disediakan.Please enjoy the served meal.
- Sedang makan tengahariCurrently having lunch
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nur and Hafiz are deciding what to do for lunch.
- NurHafiz, jom kita makan.Hafiz, let's eat.
- HafizBoleh, saya pun lapar.Sure, I am hungry too.
- NurAwak mahu makan apa?What do you want to eat?
- HafizSaya mahu makan sate.I want to eat satay.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry makan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
