Mau meaning in English

mau means want; going to (everyday) in Indonesian. Pronounced mow.

Hear mau

Example sentence

Saya mau kopi.
I want coffee.

How mau is used

The usual everyday word for 'want' and, before a verb, often an intention or near future: 'Saya mau makan.' It is not necessarily stronger than ingin; the difference is usually register and nuance.

More sentences using mau

• Saya mau pesan nasi goreng.
  I want to order fried rice.
• Enak sekali, saya mau lagi!
  So delicious, I want more!
• Permisi, Pak, saya mau tanya sebentar.
  Excuse me, sir, I'd like to ask something for a moment.

mau in real dialogue

These lines show how the word is used naturally inside complete Indonesian conversations:

• Saya mau pesan minum.
  Excuse me, I would like a drink.
  From Maaf, Pak A1
• Oke. Mau beli yang lain juga?
  Alright. Want to buy something else?
  From Di Pasar A2
• Pagi! Saya mau kopi hitam satu.
  Good morning! I'd like one black coffee.
  From Di Kafe A2

Related verbs

• makan, to eat
• minum, to drink
• tidur, to sleep
• pergi, to go
• datang, to come
• pulang, to go home

Browse all 205 verbs →