Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| atuk | /ˈatok/ /ˈatuk/ |
| tuk | /ˈtok/ /ˈtuk/ |
Atuk is an informal and endearing way to address your grandfather or use it as a term of endearment within a family setting. It is primarily used when speaking directly to one's own grandfather.
Which one should you use?
While atuk is the standard informal form, tuk is a common clipped version used in casual speech. For a more formal or standard term, the word datuk is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Atuk is an informal and endearing way to address a grandfather. In contrast, datuk is the more formal or standard term for grandfather.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northern regions of peninsular Malaysia, such as Kedah and Perlis, grandparents are sometimes referred to as Wan. Additionally, Datuk is commonly used by Malays of Javanese descent.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈatok/
Did you know?
- If you see the word Datuk in a Malaysian newspaper, it likely refers to a person with a prestigious honorary title rather than a grandfather.
- In many Malay households, children use these terms not just for blood relatives, but as a sign of respect for any elderly man.
- In some Malay families, the specific term for grandfather changes depending on whether he is the father of the father or the father of the mother.
Examples in context
- Atuk, bolehkah saya duduk bersama Atuk sebentar?Grandpa, may I sit with you for a while?
- Atuk sedang tidur di bilik.Grandpa is sleeping in the room.
- Saya rindu akan atuk.I miss grandpa.
- Atuk mahu makan nasi lemak.Grandpa wants to eat nasi lemak.
Example conversation
Farah and Hafiz are talking about their family members in the living room.
- FarahHafiz, di mana atuk?Hafiz, where is grandpa?
- HafizAtuk ada di dalam kebun.Grandpa is in the garden.
- FarahAdakah dia sakit?Is he sick?
- HafizTidak, dia cuma sedang berkebun.No, he is just gardening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandpa” translations and entries atuk, tuk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
