Gadis

Gadis is a common noun in Indonesian and Malay that denotes a girl or an unmarried young woman. In everyday usage, gadis emphasizes youth and often a person who has not yet married. In modern formal Indonesian, more neutral terms such as perempuan muda or anak perempuan are sometimes preferred, so gadis can sound more informal, traditional, or literary depending on the context.

Etymology for gadis is not definitively established. It appears in Malay and Indonesian texts for many centuries, but there is no widely agreed-upon origin. The word is generally understood through its contemporary meaning rather than through a clearly documented lineage.

Usage and context vary by region and register. Common phrases include gadis desa (village girl) and gadis kota (city girl), which reflect social or geographical distinctions rather than inherent traits. In literature, music, and popular media, gadis often carries connotations of youth, innocence, or traditional gender roles, though these associations are continually evolving with modern language and attitudes.

In discussions about gender and language, gadis can be viewed as gendered and age-specific. Its use may signal cultural norms surrounding femininity, adolescence, and unmarried status, and it may be considered outdated or romanticized in contemporary, formal discourse.

See also: Anak perempuan; Perempuan; Bahasa Indonesia; Bahasa Melayu.