Boeat
/id/
Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).
Indonesian•1 meaning found
Definition & Context
Preposition
Preposition
A word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause.
A preposition indicating purpose, dedication, or the intended beneficiary of an action. This is the boeat spelling under the “Van Ophuijsen Orthography” system used in the Dutch colonial era, equivalent to the modern Indonesian buat.
Synonyms & Variants
bagi
bagi
Synonymous with `boeat` in the context of allocation to a person or party, but cannot replace `boeat` in all purposive contexts.
synonym
buat
buat
Preposition used in casual conversational contexts to indicate a target.
Synonym
demi
demi
Synonymous with `boeat` in the context of purpose, but `demi` carries a stronger connotation of sacrifice or devotion.
synonym
untuk
untuk
The most common modern standard equivalent used in both formal and informal Indonesian.
synonym
akan
akan
In classical Malay and Van Ophuijsen texts, `akan` served as a purpose marker alongside `boeat`, though its meaning has since shifted in modern usage.
synonym
guna
guna
Used in formal Indonesian and classical Malay texts as an equivalent of `boeat` in the context of purpose.
synonym
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word boeat is the historical spelling of the modern Indonesian buat, written under the “Van Ophuijsen Orthography” system introduced by Dutch linguist Ch. A. Van Ophuijsen and officially implemented in 1901. Under this system, the vowel sound /u/ was consistently rendered as oe, transforming buat into boeat. This orthographic convention was widely applied across official texts, newspapers, literature, and administrative documents throughout the Dutch colonial period until the mid-twentieth century. Following Indonesia's declaration of independence, the government introduced the “Soewandi Spelling” or “Republican Spelling” in 1947, simplifying the orthography by replacing oe with u, thereby converting boeat back to buat. The word functions as a preposition of purpose or beneficiary, comparable in certain contexts to the word . In classical Malay literature and colonial-era texts, frequently appears alongside as a more formal marker of purpose or intent.
Real-world Usage
Bapa tentoe soedah kenal pada si Djomana, anak perampoeannja bekas manteri tjatjar, jang pada kerameian di roemahnja si pa Minggoe, berada sama-sama emaknja, berkerdja di dapoer akan masak-masak boeat kerameian dalem roemah itoe. (Bapak tentu sudah kenal si Djomana, anak perempuan bekas mantri cacar, yang pada keramaian di rumahnya si Pak Minggu, bersama ibunya, bekerja di dapur untuk masak-masak buat keramaian dalam rumah itu.)
English Translation
Verified Evidence1
Boekoe Soerat-Soerat (TH. A. Du Mosch) - Halaman 203/204 Boekoe Soerat-Soerat (TH. A. Du Mosch) - Halaman 203/204
ImageliteratureVerify Context