kakek

Kakek is the Indonesian term for grandfather. It is a common form of address for a male grandparent in Indonesian families and is used for both paternal and maternal grandfathers. The term is typically used in everyday speech, in explanations of family relationships, or in storytelling. The feminine counterpart is nenek. When referring to a pair of grandparents, the common compound kakek-nenek is used to indicate both grandfather and grandmother.

Usage and social context: In Indonesian culture, kakek is often associated with elder status, family counsel, and tradition. Grandparents may participate in childcare, share family histories, and pass down cultural practices, language, and recipes. The term can appear in literature, songs, and media as a neutral or affectionate reference to an elderly male figure. Regional variations exist, and other terms for grandfather are used in different languages and communities within Indonesia, such as eyang or regional pronunciations.

Etymology and notes: Kakek is understood as a native Indonesian word for grandfather, widely recognized across the archipelago. It forms part of common kinship terminology alongside nenek (grandmother) and other relatives. The term does not imply a specific age beyond being an elder male relative, and its use can carry affectionate tone or formal respect, depending on context.