Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| baik | /ˈbaek/ /ˈbaik/ |
| okey | /oke/ |
The phrase is used as an interjection for acknowledgement or acceptance. The loanword okey is also frequently used to ask for confirmation at the end of a sentence, similar to how English speakers use 'right?' or 'okay?' In computing contexts, the form OK is used to refer to activating an OK button.
What does it mean word for word?
The word baik literally means 'good'.
Which one should you use?
baik is the standard Malay term used for formal acknowledgement, whereas okey is a colloquial loanword used in casual conversation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaek/
When do people say it?
In formal discussions, you may encounter other ways to express agreement: Betul is used to mean 'true' or 'correct', while Setuju is used to express acceptance or consent. In informal settings, you might hear Jom, which means 'let's go' or 'let's do it', to express approval.
Did you know?
- In high-formality settings, baik is frequently doubled as baik-baik to tell someone to 'be careful' or 'stay safe'.
- The Malay word baik is a distant relative of the Tagalog word bait and the Māori word pai, all of which share ancient roots relating to the concept of being 'good'.
- The phrase baiklah adds the suffix -lah, which softens the tone of baik to make the agreement sound more resigned or gentle.
Examples in context
- Baik, cikgu, saya akan siapkan kerja itu sekarang juga.Ok, mister, I will finish that work right now.This sentence shows how to use baik when acknowledging a teacher.
- Kita akan makan bersama esok, okey?We'll eat together tomorrow, OK?This sentence demonstrates using okey at the end of a sentence to seek confirmation.Tatoeba #10115751 by LeeSooHa, translation #10115747 by CK
- Semua okey tak?Is everyone OK?This sentence shows how okey is used to ask if everyone is doing alright.Tatoeba #6479732 by LeeSooHa, translation #2248435 by CK
Example conversation
Hafiz is asking Aishah to help him with a task.
- HafizTolong ambilkan saya pen itu.Please get me that pen.
- AishahBaik, ini pennya.OK, here is the pen.
- HafizTerima kasih, Aishah.Thank you, Aishah.
- AishahSama-sama, Hafiz.You're welcome, Hafiz.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ok” translations and entries baik, okey, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baik, okey, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
