putih
/ˈputih/
The Indonesian word for white is putih.
The word putih is used to denote the color white or to describe something as being bright and colourless. When you want to specifically state that something is white in color, you can use the phrase berwarna putih.
Meaning: color (noun)
Which one should you use?
While putih refers to the color, there are specific terms used when referring to Caucasians. You may use bule or the more descriptive orang kulit putih.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Indonesian, colors typically function as adjectives and are placed after the noun they describe. For example, instead of saying 'white jacket', you would say 'jaket putih'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈputih/
Did you know?
- In Indonesia, the word putih is often used in the phrase putih abu-abu to refer to high school students, because the official uniform consists of a white shirt and grey trousers or skirts.
- The word putih is part of a linguistic lineage that stretches back to Proto-Malayo-Polynesian, making it a very ancient term in the region.
- In Indonesian, the word putih can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's heart or soul as being 'pure' or 'innocent'.
Examples in context
- Kedua rumah itu putih.Both houses are white.This sentence uses putih to describe the color of houses.Tatoeba #13680892 by HAGNi, translation #11776088 by Fenrir
- Kucing ini berwarna putih.This cat is white.This sentence uses putih to describe the color of a cat.Tatoeba #12134235 by HAGNi, translation #5317926 by Adelpa
- Tom mengenakan jaket putih.Tom wore a white jacket.This sentence uses putih to describe a jacket.Tatoeba #5026544 by amangimam, translation #5024683 by CK
- Dia memakai baju putih bersih.She is wearing a clean white shirt.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Budi and Indah are choosing a new curtain for the living room.
- IndahMenurutmu warna apa yang bagus?What color do you think is good?
- BudiSaya lebih suka warna putih.I prefer white.
- IndahApakah putih tidak terlalu polos?Isn't white too plain?
- BudiTidak, putih membuat ruangan terasa luas.No, white makes the room feel spacious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “white” translations and entries putih, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries putih, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
