adik perempuan
/ˌadek pərəmˈpuan/
The Malay phrase for "younger sister" is adik perempuan.
In casual conversation, many speakers drop the gender marker and simply use adik to refer to a younger sister.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
adik means younger sibling and perempuan means female or woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌadek pərəmˈpuan/
When do people say it?
The term adik is often used as a respectful or affectionate way to address any person younger than oneself, even if they are not biological siblings.
Did you know?
- In some Malay dialects, adik can be used as a romantic pet name for a partner who is younger than the speaker.
- The word perempuan is formed from empu, which historically referred to a master, owner or a person of high status.
- While adik means younger sibling, the Malay language has a specific, distinct word for older sister, kakak, meaning the hierarchy of birth is baked into the vocabulary.
Examples in context
- Adik perempuan saya baik hati.My younger sister is kind.
- Manja, tolong berikan ini kepada adikDarling, please give this to your younger sister.
- Adik perempuan saya masih kecil.My younger sister is still small.
- Dia sangat menyayangi adik perempuan dia.He loves his younger sister very much.
Example conversation
Amir and Aishah are talking about their families at a cafe.
- AmirAdakah awak mempunyai adik perempuan?Do you have a younger sister?
- AishahYa, saya ada seorang adik perempuan.Yes, I have one younger sister.
- AmirNama adik perempuan awak siapa?What is your younger sister's name?
- AishahNama dia ialah Siti.Her name is Siti.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry adik perempuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adik, adik perempuan, perempuan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
