tampan
The English word handsome is translated into Malay as tampan.
tampan is used to describe an attractive man, specifically expressing beauty, elegance and handsomeness. It is a term used for men, whereas cantik is used to describe women or objects as beautiful.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While kacak is a common way to say handsome, tampan is a more formal or literary option. Additionally, remember that tampan is used for men, but you should use cantik if you are describing a woman or an object.
Did you know?
- The word tampan is a cognate of the Cebuano word támpan, meaning 'beautiful' or 'good-looking' in the Philippines.
- Because tampan is literary, it is frequently found in classical Malay poetry and royal chronicles to describe princes, whereas kacak is used in daily street speech.
- If you describe a man as cantik, it can imply he is 'pretty' or feminine, which is a very different nuance than calling him tampan.
Examples in context
- Tuan Roslan nampak sangat tampan dengan pakaian itu.Sir Roslan looks very handsome in that outfit.
- Lelaki itu sangat tampan.That man is very handsome.
- Dia kelihatan tampan berbaju Melayu.He looks handsome wearing a Baju Melayu.
- Pelakon itu memang tampan.That actor is indeed handsome.
Example conversation
Farah and Amir are looking at a photo of a celebrity.
- AmirLihatlah gambar pelakon ini.Look at this actor's photo.
- FarahWah, dia memang sangat tampan!Wow, he is truly very handsome!
- AmirSaya setuju dengan awak, Farah.I agree with you, Farah.
- FarahRamai peminat menyukainya.Many fans like him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tampan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
