Tuan
/ˈtuː.ən/noun
A Malay title of respect meaning “sir,” “master,” or “lord,” formerly used especially in colonial Southeast Asia.
Did you know?In Malay, the related form Tuhan came to mean “God,” showing how words for human authority and divine lordship developed along closely connected paths.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Malayo-Polynesian
PMP
*tuhan
“A reconstructed term associated with lordship, mastery, or an honored person.”
Old Javanese
Old Javanese
tuhan
“Lord, master, or a person of elevated status.”
Classical Malay
Malay
tuan
“Master, lord, or respectful form of address.”
16th–18th Centuries
Malay
tuan
“A title used for male superiors, foreign officials, and respected men.”
19th Century
English
tuan
“A borrowed Malay title, commonly glossed as “sir” or “master” in colonial writing.”
Modern English
English
tuan
“A Southeast Asian title or form of address, chiefly encountered in historical, cultural, or linguistic contexts.”