Brunei Darussalam · Indigenous Language

The Tutong
Dictionary

A living reference for Bahasa Tutong — an indigenous language of the Tutong district of Brunei Darussalam — with translations in Bahasa Melayu and English.

Community-sourced data · Some entries may need verification · Help us improve
—Entries
14Categories
3Languages
1991DBP Reference
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Common Phrases

Phrasebook

Everyday sentences in Bahasa Tutong, drawn from community sources and native speaker examples. A great starting point for learners.

Version History

Changelog

A record of every update to this dictionary — new entries, corrections, and structural improvements.

June 2025
v0.5
Phrasebook, Changelog & Social Links
  • NewPhrasebook section added with 18 common phrases across 5 categories
  • NewChangelog section added to track version history
  • NewSocial links and feedback form added
  • FixFooter social link updated to Sam's socials
June 2025
v0.4
Major Expansion — Images & @anak_tutong
  • AddNumbers 1–30 added with full pattern explanation
  • Add23 animal entries added (Binatang category)
  • Add19 fruit entries added (Buwa tempatan)
  • Add15 kitchen item entries added (Barang Dapur)
  • AddFull body diagram entries — Betulu section (22 words)
  • AddNew action words: Petilu, Rubau, Rabang-rabang, Seruma
  • AddNew pronouns: Jiyu (informal you)
  • AddNew question words: Kumbo, Ge dembo
  • AddNew descriptors: Buwat, Buntok
  • FixRegional variant notation applied throughout — Daboh/Pespan, Awuk/Auk, Appi/Api, Bebuod/Midong, Encurit/Ncurit/Curit
June 2025
v0.3
Cross-referencing & Notation System
  • NewNotation system introduced: Loanword, Regional Variant, Needs Clarification tags
  • Add16 new entries from handwritten Bahasa Tutong learning sheet
  • AddNew words from jengeeng.blogspot.com: Seruma, Mato, Endung, Telingoh, Pingas, Lenggon, Pesek
  • AddLanjutan Bahasa Puak Tutong image: Lawu, Indo, Ujan, Jaie, Mandu, Kuluh, Dembo-dembo
  • FixLaci vs Lawu (hot) flagged as needing clarification
  • FixBody entries corrected — Tutong words now primary (Babpa', Pu'o, Ebpuk, Uku')
June 2025
v0.2
Kitchen Expansion & Data Cleanup
  • AddKitchen vocabulary from handwritten sheet: Mian, Bubpur, Puta, Ebpa, Kudut, Api, Daboh, Lema, Seripot, Tod aluh
  • FixRemoved kudo (Berapa/Bila) — pending further verification
  • FixPadung = Beria corrected to mean "to defecate" (not "news")
  • FixBaus clarified as Kelanguan/Jemu (bored/fed up) not just Kelanguan
  • FixDeak = Damit confirmed as "small" — "diyek" noted as pronunciation guide only
June 2025
v0.1
Initial Release
  • NewDictionary launched with 54 entries from 3 source images
  • NewCategories: Body, Food & Drink, Actions, People, Time, Place & Direction, Home, Nature, Question Words, Expressions
  • NewTrilingual entries: Bahasa Tutong, Bahasa Melayu, English
  • NewLive search and category filter

Important Notice

A living dictionary

Bahasa Tutong is an oral language with limited written documentation. This dictionary is compiled from community sources, reference books, and indigenous speakers — and may contain inaccuracies.

⚠️ Please read before using this resource

This dictionary is a work-in-progress community project. While we strive for accuracy, please be aware of the following:

  • Some entries are sourced from social media, handwritten notes, and community memory — not all have been verified by linguists
  • Bahasa Tutong has regional and generational dialectal differences — some words may vary between speakers
  • Entries marked Regional Variant reflect known spelling or pronunciation differences across communities
  • Entries marked Needs Clarification have conflicting sources and require further confirmation
  • The authoritative reference is the Kamus Tutong-Melayu, Melayu-Tutong (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei, 1991)

About This Project

Preserving a language

Bahasa Tutong is an Austronesian language spoken primarily in the Tutong district of Brunei Darussalam. Like many indigenous languages, it faces the challenge of limited written documentation. This project aims to create an accessible, growing reference to help preserve it for future generations.

🗣️ About Pronunciation

The Tutong R carries a slight G sound, similar to the French R — a voiced uvular fricative. This is one of the distinctive phonetic features of Bahasa Tutong that sets it apart from standard Bahasa Melayu.

📚 Primary Reference

The official reference for Bahasa Tutong is the Kamus Tutong-Melayu, Melayu-Tutong, published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Brunei in 1991. This 219-page dictionary remains the most authoritative written record of the language.

🌿 Language Structure

Bahasa Tutong follows recognisable patterns. Numbers use balas for teens (like belas) and pulu for tens (like puluh). The prefix Buwa denotes fruit (from buah), showing its Austronesian roots.

🤝 How to Contribute

Know a word that's missing? Spotted an error? Have a family member who speaks Tutong? Use the feedback form below to submit corrections, new entries, or just share your thoughts. Every contribution helps.

Community Feedback

Help us improve

Found a mistake? Know a word we're missing? Your input directly improves this dictionary for everyone. All feedback is sent to our team for review.