mbok
The Balinese word for sister is mbok.
mbok refers to a woman or girl who shares the same parents. It is also used more broadly to address any woman who is slightly older than the speaker.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
Did you know?
- Using mbok toward a woman who is actually younger than you can be interpreted as a joke or a playful way to tease them about acting too mature.
- Balinese kinship terms like mbok are part of a wider Austronesian linguistic pattern where siblings are categorized by birth order rather than just gender.
- In some traditional Balinese contexts, using terms of kinship like mbok instead of names is a way to maintain 'adat', or traditional social harmony and etiquette.
Examples in context
- Mbokne Putu melah pisan.Putu's sister is very kind.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families.
- PutuPutu, niki mbok ragane?Putu, is this your sister?
- PutuNggih, niki mbok tiange.Yes, this is my sister.
- PutuSapa sira wastane?What is her name?
- PutuWastane Kadek.Her name is Kadek.
