Pak
In Indonesian, "mr." is translated as Pak.
Pak is a polite title used to address a man. You can use it as a respectful title placed before a person's name or as a standalone way to address a man.
Meaning: abbreviation of mister (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Pak is used for men, Bu is the equivalent title used for women (short for Ibu).
How does it change in a sentence?
The full, formal version of the abbreviation Pak is Bapak.
Did you know?
- While Pak is a title for 'Mr.', it is also the word for 'father'. In Indonesia, addressing a man as Pak treats him with the respect and warmth one would show a parent.
- The word Pak can also mean 'package' in Indonesian, a homonym that has no relation to the title 'mister'.
- In highly formal settings or when speaking to a superior, Indonesians often repeat the title, saying Bapak-Bapak when addressing a group of men.
Examples in context
- Pak, bisa tolong saya?Mister, can you help me?
- Pak Budi sedang pergi.Mr. Budi is leaving.
- Selamat pagi, Pak.Good morning, Sir.
- Apakah Pak Anton ada di rumah?Is Mr. Anton at home?
Example conversation
Sari is talking to Adi about their neighbor in a residential area.
- SariApakah Pak Budi sudah pulang?Has Mr. Budi returned home?
- AdiBelum, dia masih di kantor.No, he is still at the office.
- SariOh, Pak Budi sibuk sekali ya.Oh, Mr. Budi is very busy, isn't he.
- AdiIya, dia bekerja sampai malam.Yes, he works until late at night.
