Cik

Cik is a courtesy title used in Malay-speaking communities to address women. It is roughly equivalent to Miss in English and is placed before the person’s given name or full name, as in Cik Aisyah or Cik Lim. The term is part of a broader system of Malay honorifics to convey respect in both spoken and written language.

Usage and context vary by formality and setting. In everyday speech, Cik may address a customer, student, colleague, or acquaintance. In formal correspondence or official settings, the title helps establish a respectful tone and relationship between speaker and addressee. The choice between Cik and other titles such as Puan (Madam) can reflect factors like age, perceived marital status, or personal preference; some individuals may prefer not to use a title at all.

Regional and linguistic notes indicate that Cik is common in Malaysia, Brunei, and other Malay-speaking communities, with usage that can differ by locality and etiquette. In written Malay, Cik is typically capitalized as a proper title, and it functions independently of the person’s surname. While related to gendered forms of address, the exact expectations around Cik can vary, and contemporary usage increasingly respects personal preference regarding formality and titles. Overall, Cik serves as a polite, everyday honorific that signals respect while addressing a woman in a name-bearing form.