Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kamu | /kamu/ | |
| awak | /ˈawak/ | |
| anda | /ˈanda/ | |
| engkau | /əŋkau̯/ | |
| mu | ||
| kau | /ˈkaw/ | |
| anta | masculine |
These words function as subject pronouns to address the person being spoken to. In many Malay social contexts, it is more natural and polite to address someone by their title or name rather than using a pronoun.
Which one should you use?
While kamu is the standard second-person pronoun, anda is specifically used in formal contexts such as advertisements, announcements or formal writing. Awak is generally more polite and softer than kamu when addressing someone you know or in a social setting. Kau serves as a shortened, more colloquial version of engkau and is used among close friends or within literature.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies significantly between these forms. Anda is a formal and respectful term. Awak is considered a polite option for social settings. Kamu and engkau are informal, with engkau primarily used among close friends or family members. Kau is a colloquial form used among close friends. Additionally, anta is a masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/kamu/
Did you know?
- The word awak is derived from an ancient Austronesian word meaning 'waist'.
Examples in context
- Di mana awak, Tom?Where were you, Tom?This sentence shows how to use the polite form awak to ask for someone's location.Tatoeba #10653687 by imperiex, translation #6733388 by CK
- Maaf, boleh awak ulang?Sorry, could you repeat that, please?This sentence demonstrates using awak to politely ask someone to repeat something.Tatoeba #1762784 by Adou_Fr, translation #3936241 by buddy6621
- Kamu mahu secawan kopi?Do you want a cup of coffee?This sentence uses the standard informal form kamu to offer a drink.Tatoeba #7593059 by feudalism, translation #138867 by CK
- Apakah yang dapat saya bantu anda hari ini?How may I assist you today?
- Encik Ahmad, boleh saya bincangkan sesuatu dengan tuan?Mr. Ahmad, may I discuss something with you?
- Awak, bolehkah kamu membantu saya dengan tugasan ini?You, can you help me with this task?
- 630 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amir is asking Nur about her day.
- AmirApa khabar kamu hari ini?How are you today?
- NurSaya khabar baik, terima kasih.I am fine, thank you.
- AmirAdakah kamu sudah makan?Have you eaten already?
- NurYa, saya sudah makan.Yes, I have eaten.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries kamu, awak, anda, engkau, mu, kau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anda, awak, engkau, kamu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
