Perhubungan

Perhubungan is a Malay term that refers to the act, system, or state of being connected, commonly translated as relationship or relations. It can describe interpersonal ties as well as formal links between institutions, groups, or nations. In everyday language, the word is used in compound forms such as perhubungan kekeluargaan (family relationships) or perhubungan antara organisasi; in formal or institutional contexts it often denotes the broader network of connections that bind entities together.

Etymology and usage. The word combines the prefix per- with hubung, the root meaning connection or linkage. The prefix per- indicates a process or condition, so perhubungan emphasizes the existence or management of connections rather than a single isolated link. In Malay, hubung remains the more common word for a specific relationship, while perhubungan tends to appear in formal discourse or in set phrases.

Contexts and examples. Perhubungan can refer to personal, social, or professional relationships, though everyday speech frequently uses hubungan for singular ties and perhubungan for the overall network of ties in a given domain. Common phrases include perhubungan awam (public relations) and perhubungan antarabangsa (international relations). In government, business, and education, perhubungan describes communication, coordination, and diplomatic links between entities, rather than private affection or informal friendship.

Regional use. In Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore where Malay is standard, perhubungan is established in official terminology and media. In Indonesian contexts, the related concept is usually expressed with hubungan, though some formal or academic texts may use perhubungan in a similar sense.

See also: hubungan, perikatan, hubungan antarabangsa.