Malay · Food & Drink
ayam
Chicken
Beginnernoun
Definition
A chicken, or chicken meat.
Example
Saya pesan nasi ayam.
I ordered chicken rice.
Etymology
The word 'ayam' comes from the Proto-Malayic term referring to 'chicken'. Over centuries, it has maintained its relevance as a primary source of protein in the Malay diet.
How & Where It’s Used
'Ayam' is widely used in everyday conversation and in formal contexts like cooking shows and culinary articles. Its usage spans all Malay-speaking regions.
Literary Heritage
It features prominently in folk stories and traditional dishes such as 'ayam percik' in Malay literature.