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About Malay Words in English
Malay Words in English is a free word games quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty. From bamboo to orangutan, discover the Malay language origins behind some surprising English words! A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.
A few sample questions
1. The word 'orangutan' comes from the Malay 'orang utan.' What does it literally mean?
Answer: Person of the forest
2. Which English word for a tall tropical grass comes from the Malay 'bambu'?
Answer: Bamboo
3. The word 'ketchup' is believed to have Malay origins from 'kecap.' What did 'kecap' originally refer to?
Answer: A fermented fish sauce
4. Which English word for a type of dagger with a wavy blade comes from the Malay 'keris'?
Answer: Kris
5. The word 'amok' (as in 'running amok') comes from the Malay 'amuk.' What does 'amuk' describe?
Answer: A frenzied, uncontrollable state
Frequently asked questions
What's a good follow-up after Malay Words in English?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Malay Words in English?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Malay Words in English fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in Malay Words in English?
Malay Words in English has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
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