Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and for those interested in nature and wildlife, knowing the names of animals and natural terms can be particularly rewarding. In this article, we’ll explore some animal names and nature terms in the beautiful Malay language, which is spoken by millions of people across Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Anjing – which means “dog.” Dogs are common pets in Malaysia and are known for their loyalty and companionship.
Saya mempunyai seekor anjing yang sangat setia.

Kucing – means “cat,” another popular pet in many Malay-speaking households.
Kucing itu suka tidur di atas sofa.

Gajah – refers to the “elephant,” an animal that holds significant cultural importance in several Asian countries, including Malaysia.
Gajah adalah haiwan terbesar di darat.

Harimau – translates to “tiger.” Though critically endangered, the Malayan tiger is a cherished national symbol.
Harimau Malaya merupakan spesies yang dilindungi.

Monyet – is the Malay word for “monkey.” Monkeys are quite common in the rainforests of Malaysia.
Monyet suka makan buah-buahan di hutan.

Ikan – meaning “fish.” The waters around Malaysia are teeming with a variety of fish.
Dia pergi memancing ikan di sungai.

Burung – represents the word “bird.” Malaysia is a habitat for numerous exotic bird species.
Burung toucan mempunyai paruh yang sangat berwarna-warna.

Now, let’s move on to some nature terms.

Hutan – which stands for “forest.” The lush rainforests of Malaysia are some of the most biodiverse areas in the world.
Hutan hujan tropika adalah rumah kepada beribu-ribu spesies haiwan.

Sungai – meaning “river.” Rivers are vital waterways in Malaysia, providing resources for both people and wildlife.
Sungai Kinabatangan adalah sungai terpanjang di Sabah.

Gunung – translating to “mountain.” Malaysia is home to many mountains, with Mount Kinabalu being the most famous.
Gunung Kinabalu adalah antara gunung yang tertinggi di Asia Tenggara.

Laut – the Malay word for “sea.” The country is surrounded by the South China Sea and has an extensive coastline.
Laut yang biru itu kelihatan tenang dari pantai.

Pantai – which means “beach.” Malaysia boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Kami menghabiskan waktu petang di pantai berpasir putih.

Pulau – means “island.” The myriad islands of Malaysia offer a tropical escape for travelers.
Pulau Tioman adalah destinasi popular bagi pelancong.

Learning the Malay names for animals and natural features not only enhances your vocabulary but also deepens your appreciation for the country’s rich and diverse environment. The harmony between the nation’s natural beauty and its language is something truly special for any language learner to witness and engage with. Selamat belajar (happy learning)!