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Malay

Malay

4 4.9
Relating to the people, language, or culture of Malaysia and nearby islands
  • adjective
  • /məˈleɪ/
translation icon : malayo
  • There are four languages commonly used in Malaysia and Singapore: Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English.
  • Malay language
  • Malay nationalism
  • Malay society

Examples

  • The name derives from the Malay and Indonesian phrase orang hutan, meaning "person of the forest."

    Academic text (2008)
  • The diverse culture of Malaysia is a fascinating blend of various influences, especially the Malay traditions.

  • Second, the Malay version of the measures was translated back into English.

    Academic text (2002)
  • And that's more obviously the Malay style.

  • Thus, the student population is almost entirely Malay and overwhelmingly Islamic.

    Academic text (1990)
  • There are four official languages: Malay, Tamil, Mandarin, and English, but English dominates public life.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Traders and merchants were jittery about their investments in the turbulent Malay States.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Participants could answer the questionnaire either in English or in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language).

    Academic text (2002)
  • Prior to independence in 1969, four languages—English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil—were used as media of instruction in schools.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Visitors to Malaysia can experience the vibrant Malay festivals that celebrate the rich heritage of the local people.

Synonyms

Malaysian
vsMalay
41 3.0

Relating to Malaysia and its people

includes nearby peninsula and western archipelago regions as well
Malayan
vsMalay
2 6.5

Relating to Malaysia, its people, language, or culture

covers a broader regional area beyond just the country

Compounds

A long piece of land in Southeast Asia between the South China Sea and the Andaman Sea

A group of islands in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines, between Asia and Australia

Surface Forms

Malay positive

Etymology

Malay comes from the old name Melayu, from the Sanskrit word malaya meaning 'hill' or 'mountain'. That's why we call the language, food, and other things from that region Malay — they come from that land.