"You"

Last updated on: 2 Feb 2026

"You" is much more than a single word — it changes based on seniority, intimacy, and region.

1. Standard Singular Pronouns
Anda	Formal and impersonal.
Awak	The go-to "you" for peers and equals in daily life. It is polite yet informal.
Kamu	Often used by superiors addressing juniors (e.g., teachers to students). It can also be a plural "you".
Engkau/Kau	Very informal. Best for close friends or siblings. Using this with an elder or a stranger is considered rude.
Dikau	A poetic, romantic version of "you" used in songs and literature.
2. Plural "You" (All of you)
Kalian	Formal plural "you" (more common in Indonesia than Malaysia).
Korang/Kau orang	The most common informal plural in Malaysia, a contraction of engkau orang.
Anda/Kamu semua	Polite plural meaning "you all".
3. Regional Variations
Hang	Common in Northern Malaysia (Kedah, Penang, Perlis).
Kome	Used in parts of Perak and Pahang.
Lu	Extremely informal slang borrowed from Hokkien, used in urban street talk.
4. Titles as "You" (The Most Polite Way)
Tuan/Puan	Sir/Madam (very formal/professional).
Encik/Cik	Mr./Miss.
Abang/akak	Older brother/sister (used for slightly older acquaintances).
Pakcik/Makcik	Uncle/Auntie (for elderly strangers or family friends).
In many cases, using a pronoun is too blunt. It is often politer to use a title instead.