jawapan

Jawapan is a Malay noun meaning a reply, answer, or response to a question, problem, or statement. It is used across formal and informal contexts, including education, conversation, media, and surveys. The term can refer to a single answer or to multiple answers, depending on the context.

Etymology and variants: Jawapan is formed from the verb jawab, meaning to answer, with the suffix -an that creates a noun indicating the act or result of answering. In Indonesian, the equivalent term is jawaban; Malay-speaking varieties such as those in Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore typically use jawapan, while Indonesian uses jawaban. The word can appear in compound phrases such as jawapan tepat (correct answer) or jawapan tidak tepat (incorrect answer).

Usage and related terms: Jawapan is often contrasted with related concepts such as balasan (a reply or return message) and respon (response, especially in formal or technical contexts). In everyday language, jawapan refers to the direct answer to a question, whereas tanggapan or respons may describe a broader reaction or commentary. Possessive and plural forms include jawapannya (his/her answer) and jawapan-jawapan for multiple answers when emphasis on plurality is needed.

Examples of usage: Dalam kuiz itu, pelajar memberikan jawapan yang tepat. (In the quiz, the students gave the correct answer.) Penemuduga meminta jawapan bertulis daripada calon. (The interviewer asked for written answers from the candidates.)

See also: Answer in Indonesian (jawaban), response, reply, and related linguistic notes on Malay and Indonesian spelling conventions.