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  1. Topics
  2. Old Indonesian / Malay
Verified Collection

Old Indonesian / Malay

Archive of old Indonesian and Malay vocabulary featuring Van Ophuijsen spelling, colonial-era terms, and classic pre-EYD literature.

15 words•Updated periodically

Toean

“Respectful title for men during Dutch colonial era, equivalent to 'sir' or 'mister' in Van Ophuijsen spelling”

1 meanings

Rakjat

“Rakjat is a term referring to ordinary people or the common masses during the tempoe doeloe (the old days) of the Dutch East Indies. The word describes the lower social class that had no special status or high rank, unlike the priyayi, government officials, or nobility.”

1 meanings

Djogjakarta

“This is the old spelling for Yogyakarta (Special Region of Yogyakarta) as it is known today. This spelling reflects the Van Ophuijsen writing system that was in use before the Republic of Indonesia gained independence.”

1 meanings

Soerat

“Letter or official written document; correspondence during the Dutch colonial period in the Indies”

1 meanings

Repoeblik

“A form of state governed by an elected head of state, not a hereditary monarch. The word 'republik' was borrowed from Dutch 'republiek'.”

1 meanings

Doeloe

“Doeka (doeloe) is an adjective meaning 'past', 'former', or 'olden days'. In the context of 'tempoe doeloe', it refers to the colonial period or bygone era.”

1 meanings

Jadoel

“Jadoel is a term from colonial Malay referring to something outdated, obsolete, or from a bygone era that is no longer relevant.”

1 meanings

Tahoen

“The word 'tahoen' in the context of 'tempoe doeloe' refers to the use of the word 'year' with the old spelling that was used during the Dutch colonial period in Indonesia.”

1 meanings

Minoem

“Verb meaning to swallow liquid or beverage into the mouth and throat”

1 meanings

Akoe

“First-person singular pronoun 'I' or 'me' in old Van Ophuijsen spelling”

1 meanings

Pekerdja

“Worker; a person who performs labor or works for an employer, especially during the Dutch colonial period in the East Indies.”

1 meanings

Soeka

“Soeka is an archaic form of 'suka' in classical Malay, meaning to like, enjoy, or be pleased with something. Often used in contexts of personal preference or agreement.”

1 meanings

Poelaoe

“A piece of land surrounded by water on all sides, whether in sea, lake, or river”

1 meanings

Moedah

“Moedah is an adjective meaning easy, not difficult, or simple in classical Malay. Often used in contexts of simplicity or ease of doing something.”

1 meanings

Sampoerna

“Sampoerna is a colonial-era term denoting absolute perfection or completeness. Used to praise something with highest regard, expressing that something is flawless, complete, and without deficiency. This term was common in official documents and correspondence of the Dutch East Indies in the early twentieth century.”

1 meanings