Indonesian · Common Verbs
makan
To eat
Beginnerverb
Definition
To put food in your mouth; sudah makan, have you eaten, is a common greeting.
Example
Mau makan apa malam ini?
What do you want to eat tonight?
Etymology
Derived from the Proto-Malayic *makan, which means 'to eat,' 'makan' illustrates the linguistic evolution from ancient Malay languages, maintaining its core meaning across the region.
How & Where It’s Used
'Makan' is widely used in both informal and formal situations, though it is more common in everyday conversation. It appears in various dialects and social settings across Indonesia.
Literary Heritage
Frequently mentioned in traditional dishes and culinary texts, and features in songs celebrating Indonesian cuisine.