Praktikal

Praktikal is an adjective used in Indonesian and Malay to describe something that relates to practice, real-world use, or hands-on applicability. It can refer to approaches, solutions, or designs that are workable in practice, not merely theoretical. In educational contexts, the term appears in phrases such as ujian praktikal (practical exam) and latihan praktikal (hands-on training).

Etymology and usage notes establish praktikal as a loanword form derived from Dutch praktisch, adapted through Malay and Indonesian language practice. The word belongs to a broader family formed with the suffix -al to indicate a characteristic. In everyday speech, praktikal is often linked to practicality and realism in applying knowledge, whereas a closely related term, praktis, can carry a nuance of convenience or straightforwardness in some contexts. Both words may be used in similar settings, but praktikal emphasizes real-world application and effectiveness.

In Malay and Indonesian discourse, praktikal is common across education, industry, and design. It appears in discussions of training programs, project planning, and product development to signal that methods, tools, or outcomes are suitable for actual use. Examples include pendekatan praktikal (practical approach) and manfaat praktikal (practical benefits). The term helps distinguish between theoretical considerations and what can be implemented or tested in practice.

See also practical, praktis.