barang

Barang is a common noun in Indonesian and Malay that refers to physical objects, goods, or items. It can denote tangible possessions owned by individuals, merchandise for sale, or generic objects in a broad sense. In everyday speech, it is used for both specific items and groups of items, with the plural form barang-barang used to emphasize multiple objects.

In commerce and law, the term appears in many compound phrases. Barang dagangan means merchandise for sale; barang bukti is evidence or exhibits used in criminal proceedings. The word is neutral and versatile, adapting to different contexts without implying value or legality.

Etymology and usage notes: The word originates from Malayic languages and is cognate across Malay and Indonesian. It is widely understood across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. The term appears in various idioms and expressions to refer to objects in general, tangible goods, or personal possessions, reinforcing its role as a flexible, everyday element of the lexicon.