belokan

Belokan is an Indonesian noun meaning a bend or curve in a road, path, or similar feature, and also the act of turning. It covers any point where a route changes direction, as well as the resulting geometry of that section.

Etymology and usage: derived from belok (to turn) with the suffix -an to form a noun. In Indonesian, belokan is closely related to tikungan; while belokan tends to emphasize the ongoing segment or the act, tikungan is often used for the bend itself. In everyday language and formal contexts such as maps, navigation instructions, and traffic rules, belokan describes a road bend, with qualifiers like belokan kiri, belokan kanan, belokan tajam.

Road signage and safety: in traffic contexts, phrases like belokan tajam (sharp bend) or belokan berbahaya (dangerous bend) may appear on warning signs or in driver advisories. Drivers are typically advised to slow down and follow curves with care when approaching a belokan, particularly in poor weather or limited visibility.

Geographic usage: beyond roads, belokan can describe bends in rivers, coastlines, or other linear features where direction changes. The term is neutral and widely understood in Indonesian-language texts, dictionaries, and instructional materials.