cantik
/ˈt͡ʃantek/
The English word 'pretty' is translated into Malay as cantik. Wiktionary also lists jelita.
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| cantik | /ˈt͡ʃantek/ /ˈt͡ʃantik/ |
| jelita |
cantik is a versatile adjective meaning pretty or beautiful. It is commonly used to describe women and children, but it can also be used to describe objects, scenery or even a well-composed sentence or idea.
Which one should you use?
While cantik is the standard word for pretty or beautiful, jelita is a more formal and poetic term used to describe exquisite or stunning beauty.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'very pretty', you can place the intensifier sangat before the adjective cantik.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃantek/
Did you know?
- In some colloquial contexts, cantik can be used as an agreement or a way to say 'perfect' or 'sounds good' when making plans.
- While cantik means 'pretty', it is also used in sports and games to describe a 'beautiful' move or a clever strategy that leads to a win.
- The word jelita is so closely associated with classic beauty that it is often used as a feminine given name in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Examples in context
- Banyak bunga-bunga yang cantik mekar pada musim bunga.Many pretty flowers bloom in the spring.This sentence uses cantik to describe flowers.Tatoeba #9689137 by imperiex, translation #453669 by CM
- Dia telah jatuh cinta dengan seorang gadis cantik.He fell in love with a pretty girl.This sentence uses cantik to describe a girl.Tatoeba #3942081 by buddy6621, translation #3767571 by Hybrid
- Gadis-gadis lain itu cemburu pada Lily kerana dia sangat cantik.The other girls are jealous of Lily because she is extremely pretty.Tatoeba #8951329 by LeeSooHa, translation #29661 by CN
- Cantik sekali!Very pretty!
- Wanita itu sangat cantik.That woman is very pretty.
- Lawa gila!Crazy pretty!
- Awek ni cantik giler, bro.This girl is extremely pretty, bro.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Muhammad and Nur are looking at a photo in a magazine.
- MuhammadNur, lihat gambar model itu.Nur, look at that model's picture.
- NurWah, dia memang cantik sekali.Wow, she is indeed very pretty.
- MuhammadBetul, gaya rambutnya juga cantik.True, her hairstyle is also pretty.
- NurSaya mahu gaya rambut yang cantik seperti itu.I want a pretty hairstyle like that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pretty” translations and entries cantik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
