kakak laki-laki
/ˈkakaʔ ˌlaki ˈlaki/word by word
The Indonesian phrase for "older brother" is kakak laki-laki.
In casual conversation, the gender-specific laki-laki is often dropped and speakers simply use kakak to refer to an older brother or sister.
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of kakak (older sibling) and laki-laki (male/man).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term abang is an informal way to say "older brother" in Indonesian. Abang is a common, more colloquial way to say "older brother" in many parts of Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta and among Malay speakers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term abang is particularly common in Jakarta and among Malay speakers.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my older brother", you can attach the possessive suffix -ku to the word, resulting in kakak laki-lakiku.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkakaʔ ˌlaki ˈlaki/
Did you know?
- In many Indonesian contexts, a woman might address her husband as kakak as a sign of affection and respect.
- The Indonesian word for 'older brother' was influenced by the Hokkien word ko-ko, reflecting the historical impact of Chinese migration on the language.
- Because Indonesian culture emphasizes hierarchy, it is common to use kakak or abang to address strangers who appear slightly older than the speaker.
Examples in context
- Di mana kakak laki-lakiku?Where's my older brother?This sentence shows how to ask the location of your kakak laki-laki.Tatoeba #13741115 by HAGNi, translation #13430228 by frpzzd
- Dia kakak laki-lakiku.He's my older brother.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your kakak laki-laki.Tatoeba #4629635 by Bilmanda, translation #511849 by CK
- Tom kakak laki-lakiku.Tom is my older brother.This sentence shows how to state that Tom is your kakak laki-laki.Tatoeba #13721460 by HAGNi, translation #1495832 by CK
Example conversation
Budi and Indah are talking about Indah's family.
- IndahApakah kamu punya kakak laki-laki?Do you have an older brother?
- BudiYa, aku punya satu kakak laki-laki.Yes, I have one older brother.
- IndahSiapa nama kakak laki-lakimu?What is your older brother's name?
- BudiNama kakak laki-lakiku adalah Andi.My older brother's name is Andi.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (kakak, laki-laki) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kakak, laki-laki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
