Pendek

Pendek is a native Indonesian and Malay adjective meaning short in length, height, or duration. It is used to describe objects, people, or periods of time, and can convey both physical and figurative senses. In Indonesian syntax, the adjective typically follows the noun, as in orang pendek (a short person), pohon pendek (a short tree), or kain pendek (short fabric). The term also appears in common expressions such as pendek kata, meaning in short or to summarize, and umur pendek, referring to a short lifespan.

Grammatical notes: Pendek forms related words with modest morphology. Pendekan is a noun meaning shortening or a short form. The verb memendekkan means “to shorten” something. Antonymous terms include panjang, meaning long, and panjang waktu or durasi panjang to describe a long duration.

Usage and context: Pendek is widely used across Indonesian and Malay-speaking communities to describe physical dimensions, heights, lengths, or brief durations. While most often literal, it can also function metaphorically when describing limited opportunities, brief arrangements, or concise explanations. The word remains a basic, frequently encountered descriptor in everyday language, education, media, and literature.