kecil

Kecil is an adjective in Indonesian and Malay meaning small or little. It describes size, quantity, or degree and can refer to physical objects, living beings, or abstract concepts. The term is widely used in everyday language and formal writing, appearing in phrases such as rumah kecil (small house), ukuran kecil (small size), or peluang kecil (small chance).

In Indonesian grammar, adjectives are typically invariable, so kecil does not change with gender or number. Comparatives and superlatives are usually formed with lebih dan paling: lebih kecil (smaller) and paling kecil (smallest). Adjectives can also appear in noun phrases like harga kecil (low price) or ukuran kecil (small size). Reduplicated or compound forms add nuance, for example kecil-kecil (emphasizing smallness) and kecil-kecilan (small-scale or informal, low-intensity activity). Sekecil-kecilnya can be used in expressions to stress the smallest possible extent in some contexts.

Kecil appears in several common phrases and idioms. Anak kecil refers to a young child; kecil hati means to feel discouraged or humble, with don’t be discouraged (jangan kecil hati) as a common admonition. The proverb kecil-kecil cabai rawit describes something small but potent or formidable, illustrating how size does not always indicate impact. Other uses include belanja kecil (small-scale shopping) and pakaian ukuran kecil (clothes in a small size).

Kecil is a core term in both Indonesian and Malay, translating to small or tiny in English. It frequently appears in contrasts with besar (big) and in various compound terms, reflecting its broad applicability in describing size, amount, or degree within both everyday and formal language.