We are Kaw Kaw Malaysian! Check out some local words that are truly Malaysian!

Kaalai Vanakam (Good Morning in tamil) bro. I want to get my kawan (friend in Bahasa Malaysia <BM>) some tea. Usually when we Yum Cha (drink tea in Cantonese), she likes her chai (tea in Hindi) really Kaw (strong in BM) and with a pleasant aroma. Can you recommend something Chun (nice in Malaysian slang)?

This sentence is a combination of 5 languages (including English) and a local Malaysian word (Chun) that may sound like gibberish to some people but would probably make sense if you are a Malaysian. As a multi-racial country, Malaysians tend to mix certain words from languages that we often here in our day-to-day activities. It is part of what makes a Malaysian, Malaysian. If you ever do pay a visit to our country and visit Cameron Highlands after the pandemic, why not try to include some of the words below in your sentence. You will definitely leave an impression! 

1. Tapau

Meaning = Take away / Pack back

How to use it in a sentence: Hi there, can I tapau one Teh Tarik Kurang Manis.

2. Bos

Meaning = Referring to the person taking your order

How to use it in a sentence: Bos, can take our order? We would like (your order). Thank you bos!

3. Kaw

Meaning = Strong (often used to describe food or drinks)

How to use it in a sentence: Personally, I like my tea really Kaw as it tastes better with milk and sugar.

4. Chup

Meaning = Book a spot or Stop 

How to use it in a sentence: Can you please Chup for me a place at the restaurant? I will be running a bit late.

If you want to learn more Malaysian words, check out the BOH Instagram page @bohteamalaysia. We are now running our Kaw Kaw Malaysian Campaign from now to Malaysia day so do check our socials and learn more words you can use!

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