ungu
/ˈuŋu/
The Indonesian word for purple is ungu.
ungu can be used as a noun to refer to the color itself or as an adjective to describe an object that is purple.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Which one should you use?
To specify the shade of the color, you can add descriptors after the word ungu. Use ungu muda for light purple or lilac, and use ungu tua for dark purple.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While you can use ungu directly as an adjective, if you want to use a full predicate to say an object 'is purple' (in color), you can use the phrase berwarna ungu.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuŋu/
Did you know?
- While English speakers might use 'lilac' or 'lavender' to describe subtle shades, Indonesian speakers often use the word muda, meaning 'young', to describe light purple or lilac tones.
- In some Indonesian contexts, particularly in traditional textile discussions, people might refer to shades of purple using the term nila, which actually refers to indigo-like deep blue-violet tones.
- The word ungu is sometimes used in Indonesian literature to evoke a sense of mystery or nobility, mirroring the historical associations of the color in many global cultures.
Examples in context
- Aku suka kemeja ungu itu.I like that purple shirt.This sentence shows how to use ungu to describe a noun.Tatoeba #10017362 by HAGNi, translation #3170733 by CK
- Kaus kakinya berwarna ungu.His socks are purple.This sentence demonstrates the use of the phrase berwarna ungu to describe the color of a noun.Tatoeba #11944378 by Pacific, translation #435114 by lukaszpp
- Warna kesukaanku adalah ungu.My favourite colour is purple.This sentence shows how to refer to a favorite color using ungu.Tatoeba #11326814 by Pacific, translation #3251263 by andibing
- Warna baju itu adalah ungu.The color of that shirt is purple.
- Dia suka warna merah violet.He/She likes the color purple.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Adi and Indah are looking at a flower shop window.
- AdiIndah, lihat bunga ungu itu!Indah, look at that purple flower!
- IndahWah, cantik sekali warnanya.Wow, the color is very beautiful.
- AdiApakah kamu suka warna ungu?Do you like the color purple?
- IndahYa, itu warna favoritku.Yes, it is my favorite color.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purple” translations and entries ungu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
