Understanding the terminology associated with streets and roads is essential for travelers and language learners alike. In Malay, a language spoken predominantly in Malaysia and Indonesia, describing different types of thoroughfares can help you navigate cities and rural areas with greater ease. Let’s explore some of the common street and road terms in Malay and see them used in example sentences.

Jalan
The most common Malay word for a road or street is jalan. This word can be used to refer to routes ranging from highways to small local streets.
Saya akan berjumpa kamu di pertigaan Jalan Sultan.

Lebuh
This term refers to a highway or a major road, often used in urban areas with wide roads that can accommodate a large volume of traffic.
Kereta-kreta banyak bergerak perlahan di Lebuh Raya pada waktu puncak.

Lorong
Lorong typically refers to a lane or alley, and it can also mean a narrow street between buildings. It’s useful when giving directions in more condensed areas or neighborhoods.
Pak Mail tinggal di Lorong Bunga Raya yang kedua di sebelah kanan.

Taman
Translated directly as “garden,” taman in the context of roads often refers to a residential area or housing estate.
Rumah Cik Siti berada di Taman Seri Indah dekat dengan sekolah menengah.

Persiaran
This translates to a boulevard or an avenue and is commonly used for roads that are scenic or have decorative features such as trees or flowers lining the way.
Kami mengambil satu putaran di Persiaran Mahkota sebelum pulang ke rumah.

Bulatan
A roundabout or traffic circle is termed as bulatan in Malay. It is often found at intersections to control the flow of traffic.
Di Bulatan Tuanku, ambil keluaran ketiga untuk sampai ke hospital.

Perhentian bas
When you are looking for a bus stop in Malay-speaking regions, you’ll ask for a perhentian bas. This is where buses pick up and drop off passengers.
Anda boleh menunggu di Perhentian bas yang terletak di hadapan bangunan pos.

Jambatan
A bridge in Malay is called jambatan. It is crucial to know this term when you are traveling across rivers or other bodies of water.
Kita perlu menyeberangi Jambatan Putrajaya untuk sampai ke sana.

Lintasan zebra
Pedestrian crosswalks in Malaysia are known as lintasan zebra, derived from the English term “zebra crossing,” referring to the striped pattern typically found on these crosswalks.
Budak-budak sekolah melintas jalan melalui Lintasan zebra setiap hari.

Plaza tol
A toll plaza, where you pay a fee to use a particular stretch of highway, is called a plaza tol in Malay.
Saya memerlukan wang tunai kecil untuk bayaran di Plaza tol dalam perjalanan ke Kuala Lumpur.

Medan selera
Not directly a road term but still useful when traveling, medan selera refers to a food court or eating area, which can often be found along major roads or in shopping centers.
Saya tengah menunggu di Medan selera yang terletak bersebelahan dengan stesen minyak.

Knowing these terms will not only enrich your vocabulary but also help you communicate effectively while traveling in Malay-speaking countries. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon navigate the roads with confidence and ease. Selamat belajar dan selamat berjalan! (Happy learning and safe travels!)