lagu

Lagu is the Malay word for "song," used in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore to denote a musical composition with lyrics that is intended to be sung. In Indonesian and Malay usage, lagu refers to both the music and the act of singing, and it can describe songs across a wide range of genres and contexts. Common phrases include lagu nasional (national song), lagu daerah (regional song), lagu rakyat (folk song), and, in educational settings, lagu wajib nasional (national compulsory songs).

Etymology and usage notes: The term comes from the Malay word lagu, meaning song. It is widely used in formal and informal speech to refer to any song or tune with lyrics. In Indonesian and Malay, plural forms are typically expressed with reduplication, as in lagu-lagu. The concept covers traditional songs as well as contemporary compositions in pop, rock, dangdut, keroncong, and regional styles.

Cultural role and genres: Lagu play a central role in cultural expression, ceremonies, media, and entertainment. They appear in schools, radio, film, and live performance, and are frequently adapted into regional variants. The karaoke culture, which emphasizes singing familiar lagu, has further broadened their everyday presence.

National and regional examples: National songs, such as the national anthem, are designated as lagu wajib nasional in some contexts, while many communities preserve lagu daerah that reflect local history and identity. Modern lagu span numerous genres, including pop, dangdut, and traditional-inspired compositions.

See also: Indonesian language; Malay language; folk music; popular music; dangdut.