# Malay

/ˈmeɪɫeɪ/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/malay
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

relating to the people, language, or culture of Malaysia and nearby areas.

For teachers: relating to the Austronesian ethnic group native to the Malay Peninsula and parts of Southeast Asia, or to their language.

## Examples

- I really enjoy eating Malay food.
- The museum features a large collection of traditional Malay woodcarvings and textiles from the nineteenth century.
- Scholars often study the Malay language to understand the historical trade routes that connected the islands of Southeast Asia with the rest of the world.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is a Malaysian language speaker." but "He is a Malay language speaker." — Use 'Malaysian' for citizenship or things relating to the country of Malaysia, but use 'Malay' for the specific ethnic group and language.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; when referring to the language or people as a whole, it is capitalised.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.