Greetings! If you’re looking to understand the English equivalent of the Malay word “pendam,” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations if relevant. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Pendam” in English
When the situation calls for a more polished approach, consider substituting “pendam” with these formal English expressions:
- Bottle up: This phrase encapsulates the idea of keeping your feelings, emotions, or thoughts hidden or restrained within yourself. For example, “He tends to bottle up his frustrations instead of expressing them.”
- Conceal: Similar to “pendam,” this term refers to hiding or keeping something secret. It can be used to convey the act of suppressing or holding back one’s emotions. An example sentence could be, “She tried hard to conceal her disappointment.”
- Suppress: When you suppress your feelings or emotions, you restrain or keep them in check, similar to how “pendam” implies a hidden nature. For instance, “He suppresses his anger to maintain professionalism.”
- Repress: This formal word suggests the act of deliberately holding back emotions, often to a point where they are unconscious. For example, “She represses her memories of the accident to cope with daily life.”
Informal Ways to Say “Pendam” in English
If you’re in a casual setting or talking to friends, you may opt for these more colloquial expressions:
- Bottle it up: This informal phrase invokes the same image as “bottle up” in a more relaxed and conversational manner. For example, “Whenever something bothers him, he just bottles it up.”
- Keep it to yourself: Similar to “pendam,” this expression suggests keeping something private or not sharing personal thoughts or emotions. For instance, “If you don’t want trouble, I suggest you keep it to yourself.”
- Hold back: To “hold back” implies restraining oneself from expressing emotions openly. It can be used to convey the feeling of “pendam” without being too formal. For example, “She always holds back her tears, even in sad movies.”
- Keep a lid on it: This informal expression implies keeping something under control or suppressed. It can be used to refer to unexpressed emotions or thoughts. For instance, “We had to keep a lid on our excitement until the surprise was revealed.”
Examples:
To further illustrate the usage of these alternative phrases, let’s explore a few examples:
Formal Example:
Despite her disappointment, she concealed her true feelings and put on a brave face.
Informal Example:
He tends to bottle up his frustrations and rarely shares them with others.
Formal Example:
In the face of adversity, he suppresses his fears and continues working diligently.
Informal Example:
It’s better to hold back your criticism and give constructive feedback instead.
Regional Variations
While “pendam” doesn’t have direct regional variations in English, it’s worth noting that different English-speaking regions may have their own unique expressions to convey a similar sentiment. However, these variations are not specific translations of “pendam.” Instead, they capture the essence of holding back emotions or thoughts. Feel free to explore local colloquialisms such as British English, American English, Australian English, or others if they suit your needs!
There you have it! A comprehensive guide to expressing “pendam” in English. Whether you need a formal or informal approach, the alternatives provided should help you effectively convey the hidden nature of restrained thoughts or emotions. Remember to consider the context and audience to choose the most appropriate expression. Best of luck incorporating these expressions into your English conversations!
