ibu
/ˈibu/
The English word mother is translated into Malay as ibu. Wiktionary also lists emak.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| ibu | /ˈibu/ |
| emak | /əˈmak/ |
The term ibu is the most common and general way to say mother in Malay. It is also used metaphorically in the phrase ibu kota, which means 'mother city' or capital city.
Which one should you use?
While ibu is the standard term, emak is a more informal and colloquial way to say mother.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ibu is the standard and more formal term for mother used in writing and polite speech. In contrast, emak is more informal. For an even more informal and warm approach, one might use mak when addressing a mother directly. Additionally, Umi is a term of endearment used to address one's mother, which is commonly used among children and adolescents.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈibu/
Did you know?
- In Malay, ibu is used as a prefix for the 'main' or 'primary' part of something, such as ibu jari for 'thumb', which literally means 'mother finger'.
- In certain Malay dialects or traditional settings, you might hear makcik, which literally means 'mother aunt' and is used as a polite way to address any older woman, even if she is not a relative.
- The word Umi is not native to old Malay but was adopted from Arabic to reflect a more religious or modern Islamic identity within the family.
Examples in context
- Bapa saya mencintai ibu saya.My father loves my mother.This sentence demonstrates the use of ibu to refer to one's mother.Tatoeba #962282 by Adou_Fr, translation #319344 by CK
- Ibu saya baharu meninggal dunia.My mother passed away recently.This sentence shows how to use ibu when discussing a mother who has passed away.Tatoeba #10657708 by imperiex, translation #5644330 by Hybrid
- Dia hanya mahu membuatkan ibunya gembira.He only wanted to make his mother happy.This sentence illustrates the use of ibu in the context of making a mother happy.Tatoeba #5900280 by Adou_Fr, translation #7594614 by feudalism
- Terima kasih, ibu.Thank you, mother.
- Maafkan saya, ibu.Forgive me, mother.
- Assalamualaikum, mak.Peace be upon you, mother.
- Tolong ambilkan air, mak.Please get me some water, mother.
- Maafkan saya, mak.Forgive me, mom.
- Apa khabar, mama?How are you, mama?
- Umi, boleh saya pergi ke rumah kawan saya?Mom, can I go to my friend's house?
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Farah and Hafiz are talking about a family dinner.
- FarahAdakah ibu awak akan datang?Will your mother come?
- HafizYa, ibu saya akan sampai pukul tujuh.Yes, my mother will arrive at seven.
- FarahSaya ingin berjumpa dengan ibu awak.I want to meet your mother.
- HafizDia pasti suka berkenalan dengan awak.She will surely like meeting you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries ibu, emak, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
