Pronunciation: [mˈɛɹə] (IPA) 
Merah is a Malay word that means "red". It is spelled as /məra/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "me" is pronounced as /mə/, which is a schwa sound followed by the consonant /r/. The second syllable "rah" is pronounced as /ra/, which rhymes with "pa". The word is commonly used in Malay cuisine, such as in the popular dish "nasi lemak" which usually includes a side of spicy "sambal merah", a red chilli paste.
Merah is an Indonesian word that translates to "red" in English. It is an adjective and noun that refers to the color found at the end of the visible light spectrum, characterized by longer wavelengths and a dominant color sensation ranging from orange to violet. Merah is often used to describe objects, surfaces, or substances that display this hue.
As an adjective, merah signifies things that are colored red or have a prominent red component. It can describe a variety of visual elements, such as a merah heart-shaped symbol, merah rose petals, or merah bricks. In addition to physical appearances, merah can also represent intangible concepts or emotions associated with the color red, such as passion, power, anger, or love.
As a noun, merah defines the actual color red itself. It denotes a specific color category that lies between orange and violet on the color spectrum. Merah is prominently used to identify an array of objects, designs, and aesthetics in various domains, including fashion, art, design, and nature. It can refer to merah attire, merah traffic lights, or even merah fruits like apples or cherries.
Overall, merah serves as a descriptive term that encompasses the wide range of red shades, capturing both the visual and symbolic aspects of the color. Its usage is prevalent in the Indonesian language and culture, reflecting its significance and the various associations it carries.
The word "Merah" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Malay language, which is mainly spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Singapore and Thailand. In Malay, "Merah" simply means "red".
The root of the word can be traced back to the Old Malay language, where it was spelled as "mərah". This word was later adapted and used in various Malay dialects, and it eventually became the modern Malay term for "red".
The exact origin of the word "Merah" is unknown, but it is believed to have Austronesian roots. The Austronesian language family includes many languages spoken in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including Malay. Linguists hypothesize that the word "Merah" might have been influenced by the ancient Hindu culture in the region, as Sanskrit words had a significant impact on Old Malay.
