pilih

Pilih is a verb in Indonesian and Malay meaning to choose or to pick. It functions as a basic root from which several related forms are derived, including mem-

ilih (to choose) and the imperative form used in everyday speech, such as "Pilih salah satu." The noun pilihan denotes a choice or option, while pemilihan refers to the act or process of selecting.

Grammar and related forms: Indonesian verbs do not inflect for tense or subject; time and aspect are shown with adverbs or auxiliary words. Memilih expresses the active act of choosing. Dipilih is the passive form meaning is/was chosen, and terpilih means chosen or elected. Other related terms include pemilih (voter) and pemilihan (the act of selecting or an election). In political language, pemilihan umum denotes a general election.

Usage notes: Pilih appears in everyday decisions and in formal contexts. It is common in user interfaces to present options, as in “Pilih opsi ini” (Choose this option). In journalism and politics, pemilihan refers to elections or selection processes, and terpilih or dipilih describe outcomes.

Examples:

- Saya akan memilih antara dua opsi. (I will choose between two options.)

- Mereka telah dipilih sebagai perwakilan. (They have been chosen as representatives.)

- Pilihan terbaik ada pada kita. (The best choice is up to us.)

- Pemilihan umum berikutnya akan diadakan bulan depan. (The next general election will be held next month.)

Etymology and usage context: The word is native to Indonesian and Malay, widely used across both languages with the same basic meaning. It appears in everyday language, education, technology interfaces, and politics, reflecting its central role in decision-making and selection processes.