bungkus
/ˈbuŋkos/
The English phrase 'take away' is translated into Malay as bungkus.
In the context of food, bungkus is the standard way to request a 'take away' or 'to go' order.
Meaning: to remove something and put it in a different place (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word bungkus literally means 'to wrap' or 'to package'.
Which one should you use?
While bungkus is the standard term for food, Keluarkan is used when specifically referring to removing an object from a certain place and Bawa balik is an informal phrase often used for takeaway food.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbuŋkos/
Did you know?
- In certain slang contexts, bungkus can be used to mean 'finished' or 'done with', similar to how one might say 'wrapped up' in English.
- The term bungkus has its roots in Proto-Malayo-Polynesian, meaning it has been used to describe the act of wrapping for thousands of years.
- If you ask for food bungkus in a local market, the vendor might actually hand you a parcel wrapped in newspaper or banana leaves rather than a plastic bag.
Examples in context
- Keluarkan kereta ini dari tempat letak kenderaanRemove this car from the parking spot
- Tolong keluarkan buku ini dari begPlease take out this book from the bag
- Beli makanan dan bawa balik ke rumahBuy food and take it home
- Makan sini atau bungkus?Eat here or take away?
- Boleh saya bungkus nasi lemak ini?Can I have this nasi lemak packed away?
Example conversation
Aishah and Amir are at a food stall.
- AishahBoleh saya bungkus makanan ini?Can I have this food packed away?
- AmirBoleh, saya bungkuskan sekarang.Yes, I will pack it away now.
- AishahTerima kasih banyak, Amir.Thank you very much, Amir.
- AmirSama-sama, Aishah.You are welcome, Aishah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bungkus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bungkus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
