Sobat

Sobat is a common term in Indonesian and Malay languages that means friend or buddy. It is used in informal speech and writing to address someone on friendly terms and to refer to peers in casual conversation. In Indonesian, sobat can function as a noun and as a vocative, as in phrases like “Halo, sobat!” It is also seen in everyday writing and online communication, where it signals camaraderie and approachability.

Usage and register: Sobat carries a casual, affectionate tone and is generally avoided in formal contexts, where words such as teman or kawan are preferred. In online media, social media, and popular culture, the term is often used to convey a sense of closeness and inclusivity among peers.

Cultural context: The word is well established in both Indonesia and Malaysia and is understood across Malay-speaking communities. While sahabat is a closer synonym that can carry a stronger sense of friendship or intimacy, sobat remains distinctly informal and peer-oriented.

See also: Teman; Sahabat; Kawan. These related terms provide a sense of varying levels of formality and closeness in Indonesian and Malay, from casual to more intimate or formal friendships.