Malay · Food & Drink
ikan
Fish
Beginnernoun
Definition
An animal that lives in water, eaten as food.
Example
Ikan bakar di sini segar.
The grilled fish here is fresh.
Etymology
'Ikan' originates from the Proto-Malayic term for 'fish'. It reflects the maritime culture of the Malay civilization, where fishing is a significant livelihood.
How & Where It’s Used
'Ikan' is used in both formal and informal discourse, frequently appearing in menus, recipes, and everyday conversation. It has regional variations in names for specific types of fish.
Literary Heritage
Appears in many traditional Malay poems, songs, and proverbs reflecting the importance of fish in Malay culture.