Pronunciation: [hˈɛmpəz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "hempas" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈhɛmpəs/. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "hem" with a short "e" sound, followed by the consonant sound "p" and the vowel sound "uh". The final syllable has the vowel sound "a" and the consonant sound "s". This word is commonly used in the Malay language and refers to a forceful strike or hit.
Hempas is a traditional Malaysian game, often played by children, that involves throwing a shuttlecock-like object called "seri" using a woven ball known as a "selipar jepun" or a slipper. The objective of the game is to keep the seri in the air for as long as possible using only the slipper, without allowing it to touch the ground. Hempas can be played individually or as a group activity, with participants forming a circle or standing in a line.
The game requires skill, coordination, and agility, as players need to anticipate the trajectory of the seri and quickly react by hitting it with the slipper. The slipper is typically used upside down, with the sole facing upwards to create a flat surface for hitting the seri. Hempas can be played casually for fun, or it can be played competitively, with players attempting to outperform each other by achieving longer durations of keeping the seri in the air.
Hempas is not only a recreational activity but also a form of exercise that helps improve reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and physical fitness. The game is deeply ingrained in Malaysian culture and has been passed down through generations. It is commonly played during festive seasons or as a leisure activity in schools and neighborhoods. Overall, hempas provides an enjoyable way for individuals of all ages to engage in physical activity while embracing the cultural heritage of Malaysia.
