Pronunciation: [bɪɹˈaz] (IPA) 
Beras is the Indonesian word for rice, and is spelled as /bɛras/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first consonant is a bilabial stop /b/, followed by an open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/, and then a retroflex fricative /r/. The final sound is an open back unrounded vowel /a/. The spelling of this word is consistent with the Indonesian language's use of the Latin alphabet and reflects the sounds of the spoken language accurately.
Beras is a noun in the Malay language that refers to the staple food grain known as rice. Specifically, it is used to describe the uncooked or raw form of rice. Rice is a cereal grain that is widely consumed and forms a major part of the diet for a significant portion of the world's population.
Beras typically has a white or off-white color, though there are variations with different colors such as brown or black, which retain the outer bran layer of the rice grain. It is cultivated in paddy fields and is a crop that requires large amounts of water and warm temperatures to grow. The rice plant belongs to the grass family and is characterized by its long, slender stems with grains that develop in clusters.
Rice is a versatile grain and can be cooked in various ways, such as boiling, steaming, or frying. It serves as a main course or a side dish in many cuisines, and its popularity is due to its nutritional value, affordability, and widespread availability.
In Malay culture, the term beras is not only associated with the grain itself but also carries cultural and symbolic significance. It is considered a vital ingredient in traditional Malay cuisine and is often used to represent prosperity and abundance.
The word "beras" is of Malay origin. It comes from the Malay language, which is spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and some parts of Thailand and Brunei. In Malay, "beras" specifically refers to uncooked or raw rice. It is commonly used in these regions to describe rice before it is cooked.
