sayangku
In Indonesian, 'my love' is said as sayangku.
sayangku is a term of endearment used to address someone the speaker loves. While it is primarily used for romantic partners, it can also be used by parents toward their children.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of sayang (love/affection) and the suffix -ku (my).
Which one should you use?
You can also use sayang to convey affection, endearment or teasing playfulness. Using just sayang is a very common and slightly more casual way to address a partner than using the full sayangku. Additionally, cintaku is an informal way to say 'my love'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sayang and cintaku are informal ways to express this sentiment. Dropping the suffix to use sayang is a common, casual approach for partners.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -ku is a shortened, enclitic form of the possessive pronoun aku (I/me).
Did you know?
- The word sayang can also be used as an exclamation of regret, similar to 'what a waste' or 'too bad'. If you drop a glass and it breaks, you might say sayang sekali to express that it is a pity.
- In some social contexts, calling a stranger sayang can be a friendly way for street vendors or shopkeepers to address customers to build rapport.
- Indonesian possesses no single word for 'love' that covers all meanings, splitting the concept between sayang for affection and cinta for passion.
Examples in context
- Cinta saya meluap seperti sungai yang tak terbendung.My love overflows like an unstoppable river.
- Kasih saya selalu bersamamu.My love is always with you.
- Sayangku, kau adalah sinar matahari di dalam hidupku.My love, you are the sunshine of my life.
- Cintaku padamu melebihi kata-kata.My love for you surpasses words.
- Sayang, kamu adalah yang terbaik bagiku.My love, you are the best for me.
- Selamat pagi, sayangku.Good morning, my love.
- Aku sangat merindukanmu, sayangku.I miss you so much, my love.
- Jangan sedih ya, sayangku.Don't be sad, my love.
Example conversation
Budi and Maya are saying goodbye before work.
- MayaAku berangkat kerja dulu ya, sayangku.I'm leaving for work now, my love.
- BudiHati-hati di jalan, Budi.Be careful on the road, Budi.
- MayaSampai jumpa nanti sore.See you this afternoon.
- BudiSampai jumpa lagi!See you again!
