buat

Buat is a native Indonesian verb meaning to make, create, or produce. It is also used informally as a preposition meaning for or to, as in ini buat kamu, meaning this is for you. The word is common in everyday Indonesian and is also found in Malay.

As a verb, buat is the informal form of the more formal word membuat. It can take a direct object: Saya buat kue (I am making a cake) or Dia buat rencana (He makes a plan). The formal equivalent is Saya membuat kue or Dia membuat rencana. The passive voice is formed with dibuat: Kue itu dibuat oleh ibu (That cake was made by mother).

Buat is often used in commands and requests: Buat laporan sekarang means Make a report now. In more formal contexts, one would say Buatlah laporan. The phrase buat apa asks for purpose, as in buat apa kamu melakukan itu? (what is that for?). In casual speech, buat also expresses intention, as in Saya buat sesuatu untuk itu, though the more formal form would use membuat.

Regional usage and formality: The word is widely used across Indonesia and in Malay-speaking areas. In formal writing, membuat is preferred; buat conveys immediacy and speech-like tone. It appears in many idioms and everyday expressions, and can pair with various objects to express a wide range of meanings.

Related terms include membuat (to make) as the formal variant, pembuatan (the act of making), and pembuat (the maker). These forms are used in more formal or technical contexts.