tegas

Tegas is an Indonesian and Malay adjective meaning firm, decisive, or blunt. It is used to describe people, statements, actions, or policies that are clear, uncompromising, and resolute.

Usage and nuance: The term can convey respect for conviction when describing a resolute stance, but it can also imply bluntness or lack of tact in other contexts. Common collocations include jawaban tegas (a firm answer), pendirian tegas (a firm stance), and nada tegas (a firm tone). Bersikap tegas means to take a firm position, often in political, professional, or public-speaking situations.

Etymology and language: The word is native to Indonesian and Malay. It is formed as an adjective from a root associated with firmness or uprightness; it does not have a widely attested external origin in common dictionaries.

Translations and usage notes: English equivalents include firm, decisive, blunt, outspoken, and forceful. The best translation depends on context and tone, with tegas typically highlighting clarity and resolve rather than mere rudeness.

See also: Indonesian language, Malay language, adjectives in Indonesian.