Cantik

Cantik is an adjective used in Indonesian and Malay to denote beauty or attractiveness. It describes the visual appeal of people, places, and objects, and is commonly applied to describe a person's appearance, a well-designed item, or a scenic landscape. In everyday language it is versatile: you might hear “wanita cantik,” “cantik rekaannya,” or “pemandangan cantik.”

Etymology and usage notes: The word originates in Malay and Indonesian, sharing a core meaning across the two languages. While cantik most often refers to beauty, its usage extends to aesthetics and quality. In Indonesian and Malay standards, it is typically associated with feminine beauty, although in informal contexts it can describe any attractive subject. For men, terms like “ganteng” or “kacak” are also common, though cantik can be used in casual speech or in marketing to emphasize appeal.

Context and nuance: Cantik carries connotations of elegance, neatness, and harmony. Phrases such as “cantik jelita” or “cantik sekali” intensify the sense of beauty, while “cantik desainnya” highlights design quality. It can also describe tasteful or well-executed appearances rather than superficial prettiness, depending on context.

See also: Indonesian language, Malay language, beauty standards in Southeast Asia, cultural expressions of aesthetics.