In Southeast Asia, expressing affection with sweet nicknames for a lover is a cherished tradition. These terms of endearment vary across cultures and languages, but they all carry the same heartfelt emotions of love and care. Whether you’re in a relationship or simply curious about how Southeast Asians call their sweethearts, here are some popular nicknames from across the region.
Indonesia & Malaysia: “Sayang”
In both Indonesia and Malaysia, the word "Sayang" is perhaps the most common term of endearment. Meaning "dear" or "beloved," it’s used between partners, family members, and even close friends. Variations include “Ayang” and “Say,” which convey warmth and affection in a relationship. You might also hear “Bebeb” or “Beb,” playful terms that are often used between younger couples.
Philippines: “Mahal” and “Beb”
In the Philippines, “Mahal” is a direct translation of "love" and is commonly used as a term of endearment. “Beb” or “Babe” is also popular among Filipino couples, a trend influenced by Western culture. Other affectionate nicknames include “Langga” (short for "palangga," meaning beloved), “Honey,” and “Hon.”
Thailand: “ที่รัก” (Tii-Rák)
In Thailand, “ที่รัก” (Tii-rák) is the go-to term for a loved one, translating to “beloved” or “dear.” Another common term is “ตัวเอง” (Tua-ang), which means "self" but is used sweetly to refer to one's partner.
Cambodia: “អ្នកជាទីស្រលាញ់” (Neak Chea Ti Srolanh)
Cambodians express their love with “អ្នកជាទីស្រលាញ់” (Neak Chea Ti Srolanh), which means "the one I love." Gender-specific variations include “បងសំលាញ់” (bong somlanh) for men and “អូនសំលាញ់” (oun somlanh) for women.
Viet Nam: “Anh Yêu” and “Em Yêu”
In Viet Nam, couples often call each other “Anh Yêu” (for men) and “Em Yêu” (for women), both meaning "my love." Other cute nicknames include “Gấu” (bear) and “Cưng” (sweetheart), which add a playful touch to relationships.
Laos: “ທີ່ຮັກແພງ” (Thi Hak Khaephng)
In Laos, expressions of love can be tender, with nicknames like “ທີ່ຮັກແພງ” (Thi Hak Khaephng) for women and “ທີ່ຮັກຂອງຂ້ອຍ” (Thi Hak Khong Khony) for men, both of which convey a deep sense of affection.
Brunei Darussalam: “Sayang” and “Kekasihku”
Brunei Darussalam shares similar terms with its Malay-speaking neighbors, with “Sayang” and “Kekasihku” (my beloved) being commonly used to express love.
Whether you’re saying “Sayang,” “Mahal,” or “Tii-rák,” Southeast Asians have a variety of sweet ways to express their affection, each reflecting the region's diverse languages and cultures. These terms create a sense of intimacy, making relationships feel special and cherished across the region.
