hijau
/ˈhid͡ʒau̯/
hijau is the Indonesian word for green.
The word hijau functions as both an adjective to describe something having the colour green and as a noun to refer to the colour itself.
Meaning: having green as its colour (adj)
Which one should you use?
While hijau is the standard term, you can use the phrase berwarna hijau if you want to specifically emphasize that an object is the colour green.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term Ijo is an informal way to say green.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Sumatra, such as Palembang, the word is often pronounced as Ijau.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhidʒau̯/
Did you know?
- The use of hijau to mean 'inexperienced' is actually a semantic loan from the Dutch word groentje.
- In certain traditional Indonesian contexts, hijau is associated with nature and fertility, often appearing in traditional dance costumes to symbolize the forest.
- In some regional dialects, the shift from hijau to ijo is not just a casual variation but a marker of the Javanese linguistic influence on Indonesian.
Examples in context
- Aku suka warna hijau.I like the colour green.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the colour hijau.Tatoeba #11239866 by Pacific, translation #1579436 by fanty
- Aku punya apel hijau.I have a green apple.This sentence shows how to use hijau to describe the colour of an object.Tatoeba #11990062 by Pacific, translation #11990035 by carlosalberto
- Teh ini disebut teh hijau.This tea is called green tea.This sentence demonstrates the use of hijau in the name of a specific type of tea.Tatoeba #11403015 by Pacific, translation #61268 by CM
- Daun-daunnya hijau.The leaves are green.
- Lampu lalu lintasnya hijau.The traffic light is green.
- Dindingnya berwarna hijau.The wall is painted green.
- Dia suka memakai baju berwarna hijau.She loves wearing a green dress.
- Saya punya mobil ijo.I have a green car.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Putri and Adi are looking at a garden.
- PutriLihat pohon hijau itu, Adi!Look at that green tree, Adi!
- AdiYa, daunnya sangat segar.Yes, the leaves are very fresh.
- PutriAku suka warna hijau di sini.I love the green color here.
- AdiAku juga suka suasananya.I like the atmosphere too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “green” translations and entries hijau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hijau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
