Indonesian · Body & Health
obat
Medicine
Beginnernoun
Definition
Something you take to treat an illness.
Example
Minum obat setelah makan, ya.
Take the medicine after meals.
Etymology
'Obat' originates from the Arabic word 'علاج' (ʿilāj), which translates to 'cure' or 'remedy'. Its use in Indonesian reflects the historical trade and cultural exchanges with Arabic-speaking merchants.
How & Where It’s Used
'Obat' is commonly used in both spoken and written forms across various registers, particularly in health contexts. It is understood universally across different Indonesian regions.
Literary Heritage
The term 'obat' is often mentioned in medical literature and traditional texts, emphasizing healing and health.