Indonesian · Adjectives
cantik
Beautiful
Beginneradjective
Definition
Very pleasing to look at; indah is used for scenery.
Example
Pemandangan di sini indah, dan dia cantik.
The scenery here is beautiful, and she is pretty.
Etymology
'Cantik' is rooted in Malay, where it also means 'beautiful' or 'pretty'. The term has evolved in usage throughout the Indonesian archipelago and is often associated with aesthetic qualities in both people and objects.
How & Where It’s Used
'Cantik' is typically used in informal and formal contexts, frequently in both spoken and written language. It enjoys regional variations in its application but retains a consistent positive connotation.
Literary Heritage
The term appears in various Indonesian poems and songs that celebrate beauty and aesthetics.