Binturi and Other Words Meaning in Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon is a fascinating movie full of strange lands and mysterious words that you’ll find yourself aching to know the meaning behind.

The word “binturi,” for example, is used in the movie to reference the nemesis. It was created by writers to be used as an insult, meaning thief or liar.

Another word you’ll hear throughout the movie is “dep la.” This one is used as a description, and it means “best friend.”

While watching Raya and the Last Dragon, I heard quite a few words and names that held either cultural or linguistic meanings within them.

Join me in this article to learn about the hidden references in those words!

Binturi Meaning in Raya and the Last Dragon

Before we dive into the meaning of the strange words in Raya and the Last Dragon, I should tell you about the plot and background of the film as it will help you understand the words and relate them to each culture in the best way possible.

Plot and Background

The movie starts in the fantasy nation of Kumandra. Long ago, the dragons and humans lived together in peace in this land. However, evil monsters, called the Druun, showed up to destroy Kumandra and threaten the existing harmony.

To save humanity, the dragons sacrificed themselves!

Five hundred years later, the Druun have returned with their threats again. Now it’s up to Raya to find the last dragon and stop those monsters forever.

Unlike most Disney movies, Raya and the Last Dragon is actually an original story, meaning it isn’t based on old legends but was the result of the inspiration of the Malaysian co-screenwriter, Adele Lim. She talked about how Raya was a symbol that represents the southeast women she grew up with.

To create the movie “Raya and the Last Dragon,” Disney had to think outside of the box. They combined elements of various Asian cultures to create a complete story that drew on real-life cultures.

To get the best results, Disney created a team that was dubbed the Southeast Asia Story Trust. This team was composed of anthropologists, linguists, and musicians from many southeast Asian countries.

The harmonious unity of countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia left a great effect on the cultural background of the movie.

Binturi

In Raya and the Last Dragon, the word “binturi” is used as an insult or a derogatory term. In the movie, Namaari betrays Raya and steals a precious gem from her tribe. Hence, Raya uses this word to refer to Namaari, her nemesis.

Just as Tolkien created the Elvish language for The Lord of the Rings, David J. Peterson was the reason behind the Kumandran dialect. Basically, Binturi is a made-up word that could mean either traitor, liar, or thief.

Moreover, the movie was heavily inspired by Southeast Asian cultures. So, the word “binturi” could probably be taken from the word “Venturi” in Malaysian and Indonesian cultures as well.

In Malaysia, there’s a delicious drink called Venturi that’s been around for over thirty years and can be found almost everywhere in Asia. Also, in Indonesia, the word venturi actually means “to have fun.”

Meaning of Other Words in Raya and the Last Dragon

Besides the word “binturi,” there were other words I heard in the movie that were unfamiliar to me but have a significant meaning. Let’s explore some of these words!

Dep La

When I first heard this word in the movie, I thought maybe I heard wrong or the subtitles were off, but it was right indeed.

“Dep La” has two meanings; our real-world meaning and the meaning in the movie.

Just as “binturi” might’ve been taken from Malaysian or Indonesian cultures, “Dep la” is originally a Vietnamese word meaning “strangely beautiful.”

The word “Đẹp” in Vietnamese translates to “beautiful.” You can use it for both males and females and can describe anything else from animals to objects.

In the movie, however, the word “Dep la” is used to describe a close friend, and it translates to “best friend.” You’ll see a young Raya using it when addressing Namaari before she betrayed Raya.

Ba

Going into any American household, you’ll notice the kids referring to the father figure using dad, daddy, or father. But “ba”? Now that’s a word you don’t hear very often!

“Ba,” or bố, is a Vietnamese word that means father. It’s a friendly yet respectful term used by the Vietnamese when addressing their dads. During the movie, you’ll hear Raya referring to her dad as ba.

Oh, Toi

No, not the French “toi.” It’s still Vietnamese here!

The Disney team didn’t stray too far from Asia when it came to the language in the movie. “Oh, toi” is a Vietnamese word used in the movie that means “oh, we’re doomed.”

When Sisu turns human and is stuck with Raya in a perilous situation, you’ll hear her say, “Oh, toi.” Sisu is using it to comment on how they’re in an ill-fated position.

Sisu

This word, or rather name, is the one given to the last dragon in the movie.

Sisu is an old Finnish term dating back to hundred years ago. This word is used to describe going beyond your own physical or mental limits.

It’s a Finnish concept used to describe bravery, perseverance, and grit. It’s actually held by the Finns themselves as an expression of their resilient character.

Sisu symbolizes courage and strength in the face of hardships where success can be difficult to achieve and the odds are stacked against you.

This Finnish name, Sisu, was picked for the dragon because of the aforementioned meanings. It reflects the determination and courage in her character and mannerism throughout the movie.

Tuk Tuk

Raya’s constant companion and ride throughout the movie is called Tuk Tuk. When I first heard the name, it rang a bell almost immediately.

You might think it’s a cute name for this part armadillo and part dog creature, but it actually has a cultural reference.

Tuk-tuks are a type of transportations vehicles commonly used around Southeast Asia. They originated in Japan around the 1930s and then spread to much of Asia as a convenient means of transport.

So, just like the rest of the names and words were derived from Asian cultures, this cute pet’s name didn’t deviate from the norm.

In Summary

Raya and the Last Dragon offers a joyful and intriguing viewing experience filled with fantasy and mystery. One of the reasons why it’s so enjoyable is the use of unfamiliar words, “Binturi” being one of them.

In short, “Binturi” is a derogatory term that means thief or liar. Raya used the word to refer to Namaari, her nemesis, after getting betrayed by her.