emak
/əˈmak/
The English word "mom" is translated into Malay as emak.
emak is an informal word used to refer to a female parent.
Which one should you use?
While emak is a common way to say "mom", it can sometimes sound more traditional or rural compared to the more modern mama.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal and standard way to say "mother", use ibu. In many Malay-speaking households, mama is used as a common, affectionate and informal way to address one's mother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, mama might be used as an informal term for "mom".
How do you pronounce it?
/əˈmak/
When do people say it?
You can use the word sayang, which means "darling" or "love", in combination with ibu or mak as an endearing term for a mother.
Did you know?
- While ibu is the formal term for 'mother', it also means 'main' or 'primary' when describing things, such as ibu kota for a 'capital city'.
- The word emak shares a deep ancestral root with many other languages across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, tracing back to the Proto-Malayo-Polynesian word *əma.
- In some contexts, mak is used as a prefix for titles of respect for older women who are not the speaker's mother, reflecting a culture that views elder women as maternal figures.
Examples in context
- Saya ingin berterima kasih kepada ibu saya.I want to express my gratitude to my mom.
- Mak, adik nak keluar sebentar.Mom, I want to go out for a while.
- Emak sedang memasak di dapur.Mom is cooking in the kitchen.
- Saya rindu emak saya.I miss my mom.
- Emak beli sayur di pasar.Mom bought vegetables at the market.
Example conversation
Siti and Muhammad are talking about their mother at home.
- SitiMuhammad, emak sudah pulang.Muhammad, mom has come home.
- MuhammadBetul ke? Saya mahu jumpa emak.Really? I want to see mom.
- SitiDia ada di ruang tamu.She is in the living room.
- MuhammadBaik, saya pergi sekarang.Okay, I am going now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry emak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries emak, CC BY-SA 4.0.
