In English, there is only one word “sister” to describe a “sister”. Sister is different than brother. Sister can be interpreted as a female sibling, or a close female friend. In Indonesia, there are many ways to say “sister”. People say different word in a different family. Usually the difference is influenced by homeland, environment, parents, etc.
However, in Indonesian, the official translation of sister is “saudara perempuan”. If this is too difficult, we can use another word depends on the sentence. Indonesian people rarely use word “saudara perempuan”. They usually use another nickname. The nickname will be different for older sister and younger sister.
Sister (Younger Sister In Indonesian Language)
Younger sister if translated will become “adik perempuan” in Indonesian. “Adik” is a nickname to call younger sibling, while “perempuan” is female in English, to indicate that the younger sibling is a female. To call younger sister, people usually use “adik”, “adek”, or abbreviated become “dik” or “dek”.
Pronouncing “adik” and “dek” is a little different. To pronounce “adik”, the “k” in “adik” is pronounced clearly as written. While if saying “dek”, you don’t have to say the “k”. You will say “dek” similar with “de”. “E” in “de” in pronounced similar with “e” in bell. As a result, several people will write “adik” as “ade” informally.
Another word to call younger sister is using “dede” or “dedek”. In different area of Indonesia, people use different words and pronunciation. In Java, people emphasize on the pronounciation of the word “d”. In Minang, adik can be translated as adiak.
Adinda or dinda is also another word used to call younger sister. Adinda is considered more polite than adik. However, people very rarely use this word in daily life and conversation.
Sister (Older Sister in Indonesian Language)
Older sister if translated will become “kakak perempuan” in Indonesian. “Kakak” is a nickname to call older sibling, while “perempuan” is female in English, to indicate that the older sibling is a female. To call older sister people usually use “kakak” or abbreviated become “kak”.
Pronouncing “kakak” and “kak” is not difficult. People usually not saying “k” at the end of the world clearly. The word will sound similar with “kaka” or “ka”. As a result, several people can write “kaka” or”ka” informally.
How to Say Sister in Indonesian
Besides “kakak”, there are many more Indonesian traditional word to say older sister. Below are several examples of older sister translation in Indonesian traditional languages:
- “Mbak” or “mbakyu” is a nickname for older sister in Javanese language. This word mostly used in Central Java, East java, and Yogyakarta.
- “Empok” is a nickname for older sister in Betawi language. This word mostly used in Jakarta area.
- “Embuk” is a nickname for older sister in Madura language. This word mostly used in Madura Island area.
- “Teteh” or “ceuceu” is a nickname for older sister in Sundanese language.This word mostly used in West Java area.
- “Uni” is a nickname for older sister in Minangnese language. This wrod mostly used in West Sumatera and Riau.
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Examples of using word “sister” in Indonesian Language
- Saya mempunyai satu orang kakak perempuan.
I have one older sister.
- Saya pergi ke sekolah yang sama dengan adik perempuan saya.
I go to the same school with my younger sister.
- Amy adalah teman baik saya. Ia seperti saudara bagi saya.
Amy is my best friend. He is like a sister for me.
- Dek, apakah kamu mau makan?
Sis, do you want to eat something?
- Kak, saya mau makan nasi goreng.
Sis, I want to eat fried rice.
That’s all about sister in Indonesian language. Thank you for reading.