Nyanyian

Nyanyian is a noun in Indonesian and Malay that means singing or a song. It is formed from the verb nyanyi (to sing) with the nominal suffix -an. The term can refer to the act of singing as an activity or to the repertoire of songs produced by a singer or a tradition.

In linguistic and ethnomusicological contexts, nyanyian encompasses both traditional and modern vocal music. It can denote a single song, a collection of songs, or the practice of singing within a community. The concept is used in studies of performance, folklore, and cultural expression.

Regional and historical varieties of nyanyian include traditional forms such as Javanese macapat, Sundanese jaipongan songs, and Malay or Indonesian folk and religious chanted repertoires. In contemporary use, nyanyian is often distinguished from instrumental music and may be used to describe pop, folk, and ceremonial singing.

Public and academic sources may prefer nyanyian over lagu when emphasizing the act of singing or the cultural or literary aspects of a song. It remains a common term in dictionaries, educational contexts, and discussions of Indonesian and Malay music.