air
/ˈair/Rumi
The Malay word for water is air. If unsure, use air. Wiktionary also lists اٴير.
Meaning: inorganic compound H₂O (noun)
Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| air | /ˈair/ /ˈae(r)/ |
Rumi |
| اٴير | Jawi |
The word air refers to the inorganic compound H₂O. In informal settings, you may hear the term Air kosong to refer to plain water or water with no additives. In formal or religious contexts, the term Air suci is used to mean pure or sacred water.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈair/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse the Malay word air with the English word 'air' (meaning oxygen or the atmosphere). Although they are spelled identically, they have different meanings.
Did you know?
- In some traditional Malay contexts, air is used metaphorically in the phrase air muka, which literally means 'water of the face' but refers to one's honor or reputation.
- The phrase air tangan literally translates to 'water of the hand' but refers to someone's unique skill or 'magic touch' in cooking.
- Malay speakers may use air to describe any liquid, including things that are not H₂O, such as air mata for 'tears'.
Examples in context
- Saya perlu meminum air.I need a drink of water.This sentence demonstrates the use of air for drinking.Tatoeba #10786972 by imperiex, translation #2387433 by CK
- Paip air berbentuk belujur.Water pipes are cylinders.This sentence shows the use of air in the context of water pipes.Tatoeba #10509881 by Kazuki278, translation #4084630 by Lepotdeterre
- Tumbuhan menyerap air dari tanah.Plants take in water from the soil.This sentence illustrates how plants absorb air from the soil.Tatoeba #10674956 by imperiex, translation #268575 by CK
- Saya memerlukan air untuk minum.I need water to drink.
- Sila bersuci dengan air suci sebelum memasuki tempat suci.Please purify yourself with holy water before entering the sacred place.
- Boleh saya dapatkan segelas air kosong?Can I have a glass of plain water?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Farah and Hafiz are sitting in a cafe.
- FarahHafiz, adakah awak mahu air?Hafiz, do you want some water?
- HafizYa, saya mahu air sejuk.Yes, I want cold water.
- FarahBaiklah, saya akan pesan untuk kita.Alright, I will order for us.
- HafizTerima kasih, Farah.Thank you, Farah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water” translations and entries air, اٴير, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
