If you are into interior designing, like redecorating rooms, a home, or parts of it, or even to find out more about hotel rooms while planning a vacation – you will need to know the right terms and sentences, especially if you don’t know Malay. Discover the fascinating world of Malay culture with this exclusive Malay house vocabulary guide! From the intricate details of traditional Malay architecture to the unique terminology used to describe each element, this guide is the perfect companion for anyone interested in understanding the beauty and complexity of Malay homes. Let’s start!
As a language learner, the Malay house vocabulary is an essential tool for mastering the Malay language and understanding the culture that shapes it. You will not only expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension of the language but also gain valuable insights into the Malay people’s customs, beliefs, and traditions. So whether you’re a beginner or an advanced language learner, this guide is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their language skills and cultural awareness.
Types Of Houses In Malay
What comes to mind when you think of traditional Malay houses? For many of us, Malay houses can be viewed as exotic and unique, with intricate details and colorful designs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia. From raised stilts to thatched roofs, a unique picture comes to mind, right? But before we go overboard, let’s first focus on the most common types of houses you can find in the country.
| English | Malay |
| Single-family House | Rumah keluarga tunggal |
| Semi-detached house | Rumah berkembar |
| Townhomes | Rumah bandar |
| Multifamily homes | Rumah berbilang keluarga |
| Apartments | Pangsapuri |
| Condos | Kondo |
| Cottage | Kotej |
| Bungalow | Banglo |
| Office Building | Bangunan pejabat |
| Factory | Kilang |
| Skyscraper | Pencakar langit |
| Mansion | Rumah agam |
| Ranch | Ladang |
Parts Of A House In Malay
There are several areas in the house worth knowing, so here we go with a perfect list of Malay house vocabulary to help you get started!
| English | Malay |
| Kitchen | Dapur |
| Bedroom | Bilik tidur |
| Bathroom | Bilik air |
| Living room | Ruang tamu |
| Dining room | Ruang makan |
| Nursery | Taska |
| Garage | Garaj |
| Porch | Beranda |
| Garden | Taman |
| Driveway | Jalan masuk |
| Mailbox | Peti surat |
| Window | Tingkap |
| Balcony | Balkoni |
| Corridor | Koridor |
| Hall | Dewan |
| Room | Bilik |
| Stairs | Tangga |
| Elevator | Lif |
| Rooftop | Atas bumbung |
| Patio | Patio |
| Door | Pintu |
| Basement | Ruang bawah tanah |
| Attic | Loteng |
Traditional Houses In Malaysia
There are numerous different types of traditional houses in Malaysia. Here are a few with a brief description of how they look and where they are located in Malaysia.
- Rumah Kutai (also called Ruma Tua, meaning old house): These are mostly found in the Perak area which has a lot of carvings on doors, walls, and windows. It is a preferred house by the Perak royal family as well as other elite because of its luxurious appearance.
- Rumah Gajah Menyusu (Nursing Elephant House): It has this name because it is a smaller house attached to a larger one and is compared to a young elephant who is still suckling from its mother. You can find such houses mostly in Penang.
- Rumah Limas (Limas House): This house has a Dutch-style roof almost like that of a pyramid. These types of houses are often used for offices and government or public centers. They can be found in Johor, Terengganu, and Selangor, Malaysia.
- Rumah Jawa (Javanese house): It is similar to the Limas house except it has a very wide front yard. Also found in Selangor and Sungai Janggut areas.
- Rumah Gadang (House of Gadang): This type of house is popular among the indigenous people of Sumatra called Minangkabau. Something else that they are well-known for is that they are the largest matrilineal society. You can identify the house of Gadang by the upturned roofs that are multi-tiered.
- Rumah Negeri Sembilan (Negeri Sembilan House): It has many elegant wooden carvings that display Minangkabau culture. This is its uniqueness.
Related Malay Phrases To Master
| English | Malay Phrases |
| A splash at the kitchen sink | Percikan di sinki dapur |
| Knock on the front door | Ketuk pintu depan |
| Attic stairs creak | Tangga loteng berderit |
| Close the bedroom blinds | Tutup tirai bilik tidur |
| I need to change the drapes in the living room. | Saya perlu menukar langsir di ruang tamu. |
| The rug is beautiful in your bedroom. | Permaidani cantik di dalam bilik tidur anda. |
| You will need a couch in the basement. | Anda akan memerlukan sofa di ruang bawah tanah. |
| What’s wrong with the ceiling fan on the patio? | Apa yang salah dengan kipas siling di teres? |
In conclusion, mastering the Malay house vocabulary is an essential step toward understanding the cultural richness and diversity of Malaysia. By learning the unique terms and concepts related to Malay houses, you can gain valuable insights into the history, customs, and traditions that shape this vibrant nation. Whether you are a language learner, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, our Malay house vocabulary guide is an indispensable resource that will deepen your appreciation and understanding of Malay architecture and culture.
Learn Malay With Ling
Are you ready to take your Malay language skills to the next level and dive into the world of Malay houses? Look no further than Ling! Our language learning platform is not only comprehensive and user-friendly but is also packed with interactive and fun resources that will help you master the essential terms and concepts related to Malay houses and beyond. With our expertly curated vocabulary and engaging lessons, you’ll be able to explore the intricacies of this Asian language and reach your target level of proficiency.
At Ling, we believe that learning a new language should be fun, engaging, and accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer a wide range of resources and tools, from quizzes and games to conversation practice with native speakers and a chatbot, all designed to help you learn and retain the learned concepts with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, Ling has everything you need to make your language learning journey an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Download the Ling App today from the Apple Store or Google Play Store to try it out!
