Indonesia has many islands and various ethnic groups. As a result, people in Indonesia not only able to speak Indonesian, but they also can speak using their own traditional language. The word “abang” in Indonesia can have several meanings depends on where you use the word.
In Javanese, “abang” means “merah” in Indonesian or “red” in English. In most area outside Javanese-speaking area, people use “abang” as a nickname to call male people. This “abang” that means nickname is “abang” that will be discussed in this article.
Abang Means in Indonesia
In Indonesian, Abang has meaning similar with older brother in English. People usually use the word to call other older or seemingly older males. This word originally came from melayu. People in several area in Indonesia such as Jakarta or Sumatera mostly use this word compared to other area. To call other people, you can also abbreviate the word into only “bang”. This word has the same meaning.
There are several situations where people usually use this word. The explanation below will tell you the details about the situations.
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1. Using “abang” to call male stranger
In several area in Indonesia, it is common to call a male stranger with word “abang”, no matter if the person is older or younger.
2. Using “abang” to call older brother
Several people call their brother with nickname “abang”.
3. Using “abang” to call older male friends or relatives
In several area, calling older male friends or relatives with “abang” is common. This is because the word “kakak” seems to be more feminine in several area.
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4. Using “abang” as a special nickname for lovers or husbands
People can also use “abang” as a special nickname for lovers or husbands. This is almost the same with using the word “darling” in English.
5. Using “abang” to other people offering services, individual food seller, cheap products seller, or any seller in the market
People usually use this word to call male people offering individual services, such as public transportation drivers, or seller such as sellers in the traditional market, sellers on the side of the road, and others.
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How to Pronounce Abang in Indonesia
Pronouncing “abang” in Indonesia is not too difficult. Indonesian words are usually pronounced similar with the way they written. This rule is also applicable when pronouncing abang.
“A” in abang is pronounced similar with “a” in “almond”. Whereas “a” in “bang” is pronounced also similar with “a” in almond. Remember that bang in abang is pronounced differently with bang (loud voice) in English although the two words have the same letters.
Several Examples of Using Abang in Indonesian Sentences
Below are several examples of using the word “abang” in Indonesian sentences.
1. Using “abang” to call male stranger
A: Bang, kalau mau ke monas arahnya lewat mana ya?
B: Excuse me, if I want to go to monas, which direction should I take?
2. Using “abang” to call older brother
A: Abang, tolong belikan nasi goreng pedas.
B: Brother, please buy me a spicy fried rice.
3. Using “abang” to call older male friends or relatives
A: Halo Bang, apa kabar?
B: Hello Bro, how are you?
4. Using “abang” as a special nickname for lovers or husbands
A: Aku sayang kamu, Bang.
B: I love you, darling.
5. Using “abang” to other people offering services, individual food seller, cheap products seller, or any seller in the market
A: Bang, sayur bayamnya dua ikat ya.
B: I want to buy two bundles of spinach, please.
That’s all about abang means in Indonesia. Thank you for reading. Hope the information will be useful for all of the readers.