atau

Or, or rather atau, is the Indonesian and Malay coordinating conjunction that marks an alternative between two or more items. It translates to “or” in English and is used to present a choice among options, such as objects, actions, descriptions, or propositions. The word is common in both spoken and written Indonesian and Malay.

Usage is straightforward: or typically appears between the items being contrasted. It can connect nouns and noun phrases (teh atau kopi; buku atau majalah), adjectives (besar atau kecil), verbs (makan atau tidur), or whole clauses (Saya akan datang sekarang, atau nanti jika cuaca membaik). In questions, it invites a choice; in statements, it proposes alternatives.

Nuances and limits: while atau generally signals a choice among options, the exclusivity of the choice depends on context. In many situations, both options could be possible, or the speaker may intend a single choice. To emphasize that both options are acceptable or that both are true, speakers may use phrases such as baik A maupun B or keduanya. For negated or clarified alternatives, phrases like apakah kamu datang atau tidak? are common.

Relation to logic and usage notes: in formal contexts, atau corresponds to the logical disjunction A or B. In everyday Indonesian and Malay, it remains a flexible tool for offering choices, comparing options, or soliciting preferences. Its simple form belies its usefulness across registers, from casual conversation to instructional writing.