duit
/ˈduit/
In Malay, money is referred to as duit or wang.
Meaning: currency (noun)
Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| duit | /ˈduit/ |
| wang | /ˈwaŋ/ |
Both terms refer to currency. You can use the phrase duit syiling to refer specifically to coins and duit kertas to refer to banknotes.
Which one should you use?
The word wang is more formal and is typically used in official, financial or written contexts, whereas duit is the standard word for everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express plurality or multiple small amounts of money, you can reduplicate the word to form duit-duit.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈduit/
Did you know?
- In Malaysia, the phrase duit kopi literally means 'coffee money', but it is often used as a euphemism for a bribe or a small tip.
- The common word duit actually traces its roots back to a specific Dutch coin called a 'duit', a small copper piece used in the Netherlands centuries ago.
- In some traditional contexts, the phrase duit raya refers to the money given in envelopes as a gift during the Eid celebration.
Examples in context
- Pulangkan balik duit saya.Give me back my money.The sentence is useful for requesting the return of duit.Tatoeba #10158824 by Kazuki278, translation #3151522 by CK
- Dia selalu terlupa duitnya.He always forgets his money.The sentence is useful for describing the act of forgetting duit.Tatoeba #10167102 by Kazuki278, translation #2160844 by faraway9911
- Boleh saya pinjam duit awak?Could I borrow your money?The sentence is useful for asking to borrow someone's duit.Tatoeba #5200284 by Adou_Fr, translation #7593087 by feudalism
- Perlu ada wang untuk pembayaran ini.We need money for this payment.
- Tolong bayar menggunakan ringgit Malaysia.Please pay using Malaysian ringgit.
- Ada duit sikit nak beli makanan.I have some money to buy food.
- Tukar duit syiling ini dengan duit kertas.Exchange these coins for banknotes.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmad and Nur are discussing their shopping budget.
- AhmadNur, ada duit tak?Nur, do you have any money?
- NurAda, kenapa Ahmad?I do, why Ahmad?
- AhmadSaya mahu beli hadiah untuk ibu.I want to buy a gift for mother.
- NurBoleh, saya boleh bantu awak.Sure, I can help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money” translations and entries duit, wang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duit, wang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
