Pronunciation: [ˈɪkən] (IPA) 
The word "ikan" is a Malay word that refers to fish. It is spelled as /iːkən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first letter "i" is pronounced as a long "ee" sound, followed by the letter "k" which is pronounced as a hard "k" sound. The letter "a" represents a short "uh" sound, and the final letter "n" has a short "n" sound. In Malay, the spelling is consistent with the pronunciation, making it easy for native speakers to read and write.
Ikan is a noun that refers to a fish in the Indonesian and Malay languages. It is often used as a generic term for any type of fish in these languages and is not specific to any particular species. The term can be used to describe fish found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds, as well as fish found in saltwater oceans and seas.
Ikan is a commonly used word in the culinary world, especially in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines, where fish is a staple ingredient. It is a versatile term that includes various types of fish used for cooking, such as mackerel, snapper, pomfret, tilapia, and many others. These fish can be prepared in numerous ways, including grilling, frying, steaming, or making fish soup.
In addition to its culinary usage, ikan also holds cultural significance in Indonesian and Malay societies. In traditional ceremonies and festivals, fish, including ikan, are often offered as a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. The presence of ikan as an essential food source and livelihood for many coastal communities also highlights its economic importance.
Overall, ikan is a comprehensive term that encompasses a wide variety of fish species and plays a vital role in the culinary and cultural practices of Indonesia and Malaysia.
