ucapan

Ucapan is a term in Indonesian and Malay that denotes speech, utterance, or an expression conveyed in spoken language. It can refer to the content of what is said as well as the act of saying it. The term is used for everyday remarks, ceremonial statements, and the forms of expression at events such as weddings, graduations, and holidays.

Etymology: derived from the verb ucap “to utter” with the nominalizing suffix -an. It contrasts with other words for words or statements such as kata, perkataan, or pernyataan. In usage, ucapan emphasizes the expression itself or the act of delivering a message rather than the factual content alone.

Cultural and pragmatic use: In Indonesian and Malay cultures, ucapan carries social value. Expressions of ucapan selamat, ucapan terima kasih, or ucapan doa are deployed to convey goodwill, gratitude, or blessings. In media and ceremonies, prepared ucapan may be read aloud or delivered as speeches; informal ucapan can be spontaneous remarks in conversation.

Examples include common phrases such as ucapan selamat atas kelahiran, ucapan terima kasih, ucapan maaf, and ucapan selamat ulang tahun, reflecting the range from greetings to apologies and expressions of gratitude.