kakek
/ˈkakɛʔ/
The English phrase "grandfather" is translated into Indonesian as kakek.
kakek is a common way to refer to the father of one's father or mother.
Which one should you use?
While kakek is the standard term, other words like opung or eyang may be used depending on specific ethnic or regional traditions.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkakɛʔ/
Did you know?
- In Indonesia, kakek is often used as a respectful term for any elderly man, even if there is no blood relation between the speakers.
- In many Indonesian families, calling a grandfather by his formal title 'Kakek' can actually feel too distant or cold.
- The term Eyang is a more refined, Javanese-influenced way to say 'grandfather' that carries a sense of high social status or elegance.
Examples in context
- Selamat pagi, Kakek! Apa kabar?Good morning, Grandpa! How are you?
- Kakek saya sedang membaca koran.My grandfather is reading the newspaper.
- Kakek sangat suka makan nasi goreng.Grandfather really likes eating fried rice.
- Di mana kakek tinggal sekarang?Where does grandfather live now?
Example conversation
Putri and Budi are talking about Budi's family.
- PutriBudi, apakah kamu sering mengunjungi kakekmu?Budi, do you visit your grandfather often?
- BudiIya, saya mengunjungi kakek setiap akhir pekan.Yes, I visit grandfather every weekend.
- PutriApakah kakekmu tinggal di desa?Does your grandfather live in the village?
- BudiTidak, kakek tinggal di kota.No, grandfather lives in the city.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kakek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
