guru
The Malay word for teacher is guru. Wiktionary also lists cikgu.
Meaning: person who teaches (noun)
Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| guru | ||
| cikgu | /ˈt͡ʃekɡu/ /ˈt͡ʃikɡu/ |
colloquial |
Both guru and cikgu refer to a person who teaches and can be used for both male and female teachers.
Which one should you use?
guru is the formal term for a teacher, whereas cikgu is a more colloquial and common way to address a teacher directly, often used by students.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In professional or written contexts, use the formal term guru. When addressing a teacher directly, students often use the colloquial form cikgu.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cikgu does not change its form to indicate plurality. The number of teachers is understood from the context or surrounding words.
Did you know?
- The word guru is an unexpected relative of the English word 'heavy', as it originally described something or someone that is weighty or burdensome.
- The term guru is a loanword from Sanskrit, reflecting the deep influence of ancient Indian culture and religion on the Malay language.
- In Malaysia, the title cikgu is often used as a name or a permanent honorific for a teacher even after they have retired from the profession.
Examples in context
- Cikgu, masa sudah tamat.Teacher, time's up.This sentence shows how to use cikgu when addressing a teacher.Tatoeba #5900237 by Adou_Fr, translation #7593077 by feudalism
- Bukankah dia itu seorang guru?She's a teacher, isn't she?This sentence uses guru to ask a question about someone's profession.Tatoeba #9686843 by imperiex, translation #8526685 by CH
- Saya akan menjadi guru mereka.I will be their teacher.This sentence uses guru to express a future intention to teach others.Tatoeba #11029276 by imperiex, translation #6118920 by mailohilohi
- Selamat pagi, Cikgu.Good morning, Teacher.
- Terima kasih, Cikgu.Thank you, Teacher.
- Cikgu, boleh saya bertanya?Teacher, may I ask a question?
- Guru saya sangat baik hati.My teacher is very kind.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmad and Nur are talking about their old school teacher.
- AhmadNur, adakah dia seorang guru yang baik?Nur, was he a good teacher?
- NurYa, dia seorang guru yang sangat rajin.Yes, he was a very hardworking teacher.
- AhmadSaya sangat menghormati guru itu.I really respect that teacher.
- NurSama juga dengan saya.I feel the same way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teacher” translations and entries guru, cikgu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cikgu, guru, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
