Unlike several other countries, in Indonesia we have different ways of addressing people according to the person. Younger people, for example, have to call older people in a polite and proper way. One of the way to call older people is using “Ibu” (read as e-boo).
Literally, the word “Ibu” has the same meaning as “mother”. However, in daily use, the word “Ibu” can have several meanings. Here are some meanings of the word Ibu Meaning in Indonesia. You may also learn more about How to say “Mrs” in Indonesian Language
Using “Ibu” which means mother
In Indonesia, the word “Ibu” means mother. This title is used to call female parents. Saying the word “Ibu” can be done fully as “Ibu” or abbreviated as “Bu”.
Examples of the use are as follows:
- My mother always cook eggs for breakfast.
Ibuku selalu memasak telur untuk sarapan.
- My family consists of my father, my mother, and my little sister.
Keluargaku terdiri dari ayahku, ibuku, dan adik perempuanku.
- My friend Anto doesn’t have a mother anymore. She passed away two months ago.
Temanku Anto tidak punya ibu lagi. Beliau meninggal dua bulan yang lalu.
- Mom, I’m hungry.
Ibu, aku lapar.
Bu, aku lapar.
However, not all Indonesians call their mother with the word “Ibu”. There are many versions of the word for mother in Indonesian, for example Bunda, Mama, Mami, Umi, etc. You may also learn more about What is “Mbak” Meaning in Indonesian Language
Using “Ibu” for formal/semi formal events or meetings
At formal/semi formal events or meetings, people usually use the word “Ibu” to greet women who are old enough to be called “Ibu”, although they are not necessarily married. There is no exact limitation to a certain age, but usually women who are in late twenties or over thirty years old are usually called “Ibu”. You may also learn more about Indonesian Formal Pronouns
Whereas younger women are usually called “Mbak”. Examples of the formal/non formal events or meetings are at work or office, during seminars, meetings, etc. For this use, the word “Ibu” if translated to English become Ma’am or Mrs, not mother.
Examples of the use are as follows:
- Mrs Ani, I have sent the report to your mail.
Bu Ani, saya sudah mengirimkan laporannya ke email Anda.
- The second speaker is Mrs Ina, our headmaster.
Pembicara kedua adalah Ibu Ina, kepala sekolah kita.
- Thank you for the reminder, Ma’am.
Terima kasih atas pengingatnya, Bu.
Using “Ibu” to address married woman
The word “Ibu” is commonly used to greet married women, whether they already have children or not. In Indonesia the use of family names is not common, but sometimes married women are called using their husband’s name.
Example of the use is as follow:
- Mrs Tyo, do you want to come to the tea party?
Bu Tyo, apakah Anda mau datang ke jamuan teh?
In the sentence above, the meaning of “Bu Tyo” is a woman whose husband is named Tyo.
Using “Ibu” to adress unknown woman
The word “Ibu” in Indonesia can also be used to greet unknown women who are about thirty years old or older. For example, it is used when buying goods, talking to strangers, or greetings person on the first meeting.
Examples of the use are as follows:
- Ma’am, how much is the oranges?
Bu, berapa harga jeruknya?
- What can I do for you, Ma’am?
Apa ada yang bisa saya bantu, Bu?
Other meaning of the word “Ibu”
The word mother also has other meanings besides the above meanings. It can also means something that is considered primary or important. For example, “ibukota” is a word that has meaning as below
- Ibu = mother
- Kota = city
However, as a term it means “capital city”.
That’s all the explanation about “Ibu” meaning in Indonesia. Hope this article will be helpful, and thank you for reading. You may also learn more about Differences between Indonesian and English Grammar