I learn Malay

How to use the word 'SELAMAT' - meaning and significance

2024-01-11T18:08:00.000+08:00

In the Malay language, the word "selamat" carries many significance that transcends its literal translation. The word 'Selamat' reflects the values and sentiments of the community.

Let's see how the word "selamat" is being used:

Literal Translation:

"Selamat" translates to "safe" or "safe and sound." This literal meaning embodies the essence of security and well-being, emphasizing the importance of physical safety and the absence of harm.

When it is used in greetings or farewells, the wish for "selamat" signifies a genuine concern for the welfare of others.

For example:

Selamat pagi means good morning.

However, literally it means to be safe in the morning.

Cultural Significance:

Beyond its literal translation, "selamat" extends into representing a wish for prosperity, happiness, and success. Celebratory occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and religious festivals, are often imbued with the spirit of "selamat," marking the wish for a blessed and prosperous future.

For example:

Selamat pengantin baru.

Literally it means safe and sound to the newly married couple.

Here, the word selamat is used to bless the newly married couple to have a long and prosperous matrimony.

Religious Connotations:

In a predominantly Muslim country as Malaysia, "selamat" also carries religious connotations. It reflects a wish for spiritual well-being and divine protection. During significant religious events and prayers, the word is invoked to seek blessings, forgiveness, and a sense of inner peace.

For example:

Selamat menyambut bulan Ramadan.

Menyambut means to welcome, bulan is month and Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.

In short, it means welcoming Ramadan and to have a blessed one.

Social Harmony:

"Selamat" plays a crucial role in fostering social harmony within the Malay community. It signifies a wish for unity, understanding, and goodwill among individuals.

As Malaysia has many races, we always use the word selamat to wish other races on their festive days.

For example:

Selamat hari raya Cina

Selamat hari Deepavali

Selamat hari krismas

All means so each of the races have a prosperous festival ahead of the celebration.

Expressions of support:

And lastly, "selamat" is used to express support. When someone is in a challenging situation or wanted to achieve a milestone, the people extends their heartfelt wishes with a resounding "selamat."

For example:

"Selamat berjuang!" to mean :Fighting!"

In summary, the word "selamat" serves as an expression of goodwill, security, prosperity, and spiritual well-being towards a future filled with safety and harmonious coexistence.

How to use 'PUN' in Malay - Too / Also / As well

2024-01-05T17:39:00.000+08:00

Today we will study how to use 'Pun' in Malay.

Assalamualaikum dan hai semua!

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone has a great start in 2024.

But never forget to practice speaking Malay, ok?

Alright, today we will study the Malay word:

Pun

Not pun like the word spoon in English but pon.

Although it is spelled with 'u' however, the pronunciation of the letter 'u' in pon is similar to the sound of 'o', small o..not aw -o but o.

One more time, pun, pun.

In English, it means... also, too and as well

Pun also has a synonym, which is juga and in spoken Malay, juga is commonly pronounced as jugak

with an added k at the end.

This is the first meaning of pun.

Let's see how we can use this type of pun in spoken Malay.

The first example; here we have two ladies. They could be friends or colleagues.

The first lady says -

Saya nak makan nasi lemak.

Saya = I

nak = to want

makan = to eat

nasi lemak = is a common dish in Malaysia for any time of the day, basically rice cooked in coconut milk and served with many condiments.

In this picture, we have the spicy sauce - sambal, and then boilled egg and slices of cucumber.

The first lady said - Saya nak makan nasi lemak.

which means I want to eat nasi lemak

and her friend replies with

saya pun

Saya pun means me too.

Basically, saying the idea that she wants to eat the same dish.

This is the shorter reply.

Actually you could say the whole complete sentence, like so:

Saya pun nak makan nasi lemak.

which basically means

I want to eat nasi lemak too.

I want to eat nasi lemak as well.

I also want to eat nasi lemak.

I hope you can get the idea.

Let's see another example with a different verb.

Now we have pergi, pergi

which means to go

So, the first lady says,

Saya nak pergi (ke) pejabat.

in spoken Malay, we commonly drop the particle ke, which means to , to become

Saya nak pergi pejabat.

I want to go to the office.

and her collegue replys with

Saya pun

which means me too.

She also wants to go the office.

and just like the previous example you could reply with a longer sentence

Saya pun (nak pergi (ke) pejabat.)

or dropping the particle ke

Saya pun (nak pergi pejabat.)

The second meaning of Pun

is even, any

Let's see an example.

The man is proposing to the lady.

He says

Laut pun saya sanggup redah untuk awak.

a little bit faster

Laut pun saya sanggup redah untuk awak.

Laut means the sea / the ocean

Laut pun means even the sea / even the ocean

Saya means I

sanggup means willing to do something

Saya sanggup means = I am willing to

Redah

Redah means to pass through

untuk = for

untuk awak = for you

Even the sea I am willing to pass through for you.

However, the lady rejects his proposal

So, she says

Errr..saya tak nak terima

Saya = I

tak nak =

tak is actually tidak which means No

Nak is actually hendak / mahu which means to want

terima = means to accept

Errr..saya tak nak terima

meaning Err..I don't want to accept.

Oohh, pity the man.

Let's look at another example.

Here we have a very beautiful traditional house. Probably an inherited house from the family.

The first lady says a statement,

Sesiapa pun boleh tinggal dekat rumah ni.

Sesiapa pun = anyone

Sesiapa pun = even anyone

boleh tinggal = can live

dekat rumah ni = at this house

Anyone can live at this house

So the second lady, probably within the family

was shocked and says

orang luar pun?

Orang= People

luar =outside

pun=Even

Orang luar = outsiders ( not within the family)

Orang luar pun?

Even outsiders?

and the last example, here we have a male asking his friend.

Awak dah sihat?

Awak = You

dah / sudah = already

sihat = well/healthy

So, Awak dah sihat? it means

Are you already well?

and the lady replied,

Belum.

Nak berdiri pun saya tak boleh.

Belum.

Nak berdiri pun saya tak boleh.

Belum = Not yet

Nak / hendak / mahu=to want

berdiri = to stand up

berdiri pun= even to stand up

saya tak boleh = I cannot

Not yet, even if want to stand up, I cannot.

Belum = Not yet

Nak berdiri pun = even if want to stand up

saya tak boleh = I cannot

Alright, so that's it for today. I hope you could understand the lesson well. If you have any question, please write it down in the comment. I will try my best to answer.

And don't forget that, I also do Malay speaking classes, so if you want to practise with me head over to linktr.ee/ilearnmalay.

Well then, thank you, terima kasih.

See you soon. Sampai jumpa lagi!

Selamat Tahun Baru 2024 - Happy New Year 2024 to everyone!

2023-12-31T15:47:00.000+08:00

Selamat tahun baru 2024 semua!

Assalamualaikum dan hai semua.

So close to the new year! No study today but I would like to say a few lines of pantun.

Pantun in Malay is a form of Malay verse used to express intricate ideas and emotions. It generally consists of even-numbered lines and it has a rhyming scheme

For today, I will only use the the shortest pantun which is two lines of it and the rhyming section is highlighted in green.

Enjoy!

2023 hampir nak tamat = 2023 is almost over

2024 dah ada ke matlamat? = Have you got a goal for 2024?

Bila cuti semua gembira = When it's a holiday everyone is happy

Jaga kesihatan jangan dilupa = Don't forget to take care of your health

Hari ini hari sabtu = Hari ini hari sabtu

Jangan tak cakap bahasa Melayu = Jangan tak cakap bahasa Melayu

2023 tahun yang ceria = 2023 is a happy year

Terima kasih kepada semua = Thank you to everyone

2024 bakal menjelma = 2024 is coming soon

Harap yang terbaik untuk semua = I hope the best for everyone

Zarina tutup tirai 2023 dahulu = Zarina closes 2023's curtain first

Jumpa lagi di tahun baru = See you again in the new year

Selamat tahun baru semua!

Happy new year everyone!

How to use the word 'PUNYA' in Malay

2023-12-27T06:03:00.000+08:00

The word "PUNYA" in Malay is quite versatile and can be used in various ways. There are:

Assalamualaikum dan Hai semua.

Apa khabar?

Just a few days left of the year 2023, however, it is not an excuse to be lazy!

Push yourself a little bit more = Sikit lagi

Jangan malas! = Don't be lazy!

Rajinlah sikit! = Be hardworking a bit!

And today, our last sprint of the year..let's study the word

punya

Punya is a posessive particle and it could mean whose,mine, possess, belongs to, to own

and in Malay, there are synonyms for Punya

They are: Ada or milik

Are they interchangeable? It depends on the construction of the sentence.

Let's look at some example so you could comprehend the usage of Punya in a Malay sentence better.

The first example is:

Ini siapa punya?

Siapa punya ini?

It means whose is this?

Ini means this

and siapa punya means whose

as this channel teaches you spoken Malay, for this point on, only spoken Malay sentences will be given as examples.

As we know that, ini can be shortened as 'ni'

so naturally, the previous sentences could be said as

Ni siapa punya?

Siapa punya ni?

which means

Whose is this?

Using ni is useful when you don't know the name of the object or things that you want to ask

If you know the name of the object, as this example

Pensel ni siapa punya?

Siapa punya pensel ni?

Even if the phrase pensel ni appeared first in the sentence or comes at the end of the sentence, it did not affect the meaning of the sentence at all which is - who is the owner of the pencil.

So you can use both of these patterns to ask for the owner of an object or things.

To ask for confirmation if someone is the owner of a thing, we may ask like so

Pensel ni awak punya ke?

Awak punya ke pensel ni?

which means

Is this pencil yours?

Does this pencil belong to you?

If the reply is positive, you may use any of the followings example as an answer.

Ya, pensel ni saya punya.

Ya, saya punya.

or simply

Ya.

However, if the reply is negative

you could reply like so

Tak, pensel ni bukan saya punya.

Bukan, pensel ni bukan saya punya.

No, this pencil is not mine.

or a few more ways to reply negatively

Pensel ni bukan saya punya.

Bukan saya punya.

or simply with either

Bukan / Tak.

bukan or tak both means No

However, for the detail explanation of their usages, please watch the video above or from the link in the description.

Before we proceed,

don't forget to help the channel grow!

A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Terima kasih!

Now, let's do some exercises.

First exercise,

I will ask you and you need to answer with

the pronoun given at the bottom-left of the slide.

I will give you 5 seconds to answer and after that the answer will be given.

Jom mula! Let's start!

Buku ni siapa punya?

Buku ni saya punya.

Bagus! Good! Next..

Buku ni siapa punya?

Buku ni awak punya.

Bagus! Good! last one..

Buku ni siapa punya?

Buku ni dia punya.

The next exercise, is asking if the object is yours or not,

you need to answer based on the hint given at the bottom-left of the slide.

I will give you 5 seconds to answer and after that the answer will be given.

Jom mula! Let's start!

Kereta ni awak punya ke?

Ya. Kereta ni saya punya.

Bagus! Good! Next..

Kereta ni awak punya ke?

Bukan. Kereta ni awak punya.

Bagus! Good! last one..

Kereta ni awak punya ke?

Tak. Kereta ni dia punya.

Bukan. Kereta ni dia punya.

Well done!

We have reached the end of the lesson. I hope that this will be useful and please ask me anything in the comment if you don't understand the lesson well.

I will try my best to answer.

You may watch the lesson here:

Baiklah = alright, until next time.

Terima kasih semua.

Sampai jumpa lagi!

Things in the Bedroom in MALAY - Vocabularies

2023-12-20T04:01:00.000+08:00

This post will cover all the words or almost all for things in the bedroom in Malay.

In this post, I have listed more than 40 items in the bedroom in Malay, together with the correct pronunciation and the meaning in English.

You may check the video here to go through the lesson as it is all is FREE in the ILearnMalay Channel.

Don't forget too, if you want to practise speaking Malay with me, you could book a session at linktr.ee/ilearnmalay.

You can also check out a SAMPLE class of me and a student there.

Happy learning!

Master Conversational Malay - 'APA NI?' with Sofia - Part 1🗣️👍💯

2023-12-05T18:58:00.000+08:00

Hi, we have a special guest today for our Master Conversational Malay class; Sofia, an 8-year old girl which is a native Spanish speaker.

The lesson for today - Ini apa? / Apa ini? / Apa ni? / Ni apa? == which all means 'What is this?'

You may view the whole lesson here:

Happy learning!

Motivational Quote ON learning Malay Language - Part 1

2023-11-29T18:08:00.000+08:00

Make it a habit every single day to think in Malay, speak in Malay, write in Malay, watch or hear something in Malay.

Recommendation - watch a Malay short film on Youtube with English and Malay subtitle. For example: 'Filem Pendek Raya Little Joe 2023 at this link https://youtu.be/9sk8PNUwe5M?feature=...

Semoga berjaya! ( All the best!)

Words to Describe FOOD In Malay - Part 2

2023-11-16T17:05:00.000+08:00

Today, I have listed out words to describe FOOD in Malay. We cannot live without food, so let's start! Jom mula!

You may listen to how the words are properly pronounced, repeat after me and know the meaning of each word in Malay here in the lesson:

Happy learning!

Malay Verbs From Drama Clip - PART 3

2023-11-06T19:00:00.005+08:00

This is the third part of Malay Verbs From Drama Clip.

Today we will study the Malay verbs in action performed by the protagonists from the Malay drama Episode 3 - Asam pedas untuk dia.

Now, before we proceed, please don't forget that I still offer classes for Conversational Malay

and you may sign up here at linktr.ee/ILearnMalay

You can check the preferred day and time and also watch a sample of my class with one of the students.

Remember, when you practise speaking every single day you will be fluent in no time! Take this opportunity to learn from a Malay native speaker. See you in class!

Now let's go to the verbs. It is a short video and I hope you enjoy the lesson.

Bagi pen

Give the pen

Pegang pen

Hold the pen

Write

Tulis

Bagi kertas

Give the paper

Terima kertas

Receive the paper

Lipat kertas

Fold the paper

Angkat bakul

Lift the basket

Pegang telefon

Hold the phone

Buka telefon

Open the phone

Sentuh telefon

Touch the phone

Buat panggilan telefon

Make a phone call

Angkat telefon

Pick up the phone

Jawab panggilan telefon

Answer the phone call

Garu kepala

Scratch the head

Senyum

Smile

Buka pintu

Open the door

Sandar dekat pintu

Lean on the door

Tamatkan panggilan telefon

End the phone call

We have reached the end of the lesson.

Don't forget to help the channel grow by doing the following.

Terima kasih sangat-sangat!

And until next time, sampai jumpa lagi.

Conversational Malay with verb - NAK / HENDAK

2023-10-31T17:43:00.000+08:00

Today's post of Conversational Malay with verb - CAKAP will cover 4 dialogues in natural Malay conversation which happens between two people.

In the previous lesson, we have practised natural conversation with the verb - MINUM, MAKAN and CAKAP.

Check out the videos and you may access from here -

In today's lesson, Let's study some natural conversation using the verb NAK / HENDAK.

Nak or Hendak means to want in English. I have created a lesson specifically for this verb.

If you haven't studied the lesson of NAK yet, please go to the link here: NAK / HENDAK

There will be 4 simple dialogues between 2 people and they will be repeated two times each. After that, you and I will be using these dialogues for practice.

But..but..but.before we proceed...as usual, jangan lupa tolong saya.

Don't forget to help me to grow the channel by doing the following.

Subscribe
Comment
Share
Like

Terima kasih sangat-sangat!

Here is the video for you to learn:

Happy learning! Selamat belajar.

Malay Phrases for Health - Part 2 🩺🏥💊

2023-10-27T15:40:00.003+08:00

Today's lesson is the continuation of the previous video Part 1 of Malay Words related to health.

We start with the first word:

Sakit

Not sakit but pronounced as 'Saket'

In English it could mean the following

Pain
Ache
Sick
Hurt

and when we feel the pain we will make these interjections:

Aduh, Adoi, Ahhh
Aduh sakit,
Adoi sakit,
Ahhh sakit

To see the complete video, head over to the lesson in ILearnMalay channel or you could watch from this post.

Happy learning!

Why you cannot be fluent FASTER in Malay???

2023-10-09T17:20:00.002+08:00

Becoming fluent in a new language is a complex process that involves several factors and challenges:

1. Learning Curve

Every language has its own unique grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing system. Learning Malay and internalizing these elements takes time and consistent effort.

2. Consistency and Practice

Achieving fluency in Malay requires consistent and regular practice. Language learning is not an instant skill; it's a gradual process that requires ongoing dedication.

3. Immersion and Exposure

Immersing yourself in a Malay language-rich environment and regularly exposing yourself to the language through speaking, listening, reading, and writing is crucial for fluency.

Lack of such exposure can slow down the learning process.

4. Complexity of the Language

Some languages are more complex than others, making it harder to achieve fluency quickly. Languages with complex grammar rules, extensive vocabulary, or challenging pronunciation can take longer to master.

However, Malay language is easier than those difficult ones.

5. Individual Learning Styles and Abilities

Each person has a unique learning style and language learning abilities. Some individuals may grasp a new language more quickly than others due to their learning methods, background, or linguistic aptitude.

6. Age and Previous Language Knowledge

Younger learners often pick up languages more easily than adults due to their brain's plasticity. Additionally, prior knowledge of related languages can aid in language acquisition.

7. Motivation and Dedication

Motivation and dedication play a significant role in language learning. Without a strong desire to learn and consistent dedication to practicing, progress toward fluency can be slower.

8. Fear of Making Mistakes

Fear of making mistakes can hinder language fluency. Overcoming this fear and being open to making errors is crucial for the learning process.

9. Quality of Instruction

The quality of teaching and the learning resources available can impact the speed at which someone becomes fluent in a language. Effective instruction and good learning materials can expedite the learning process.

In summary, achieving fluency in Malay language takes time, consistent practice, exposure, a conducive learning environment, and a positive mindset.

It's a gradual journey that varies for each individual based on their unique circumstances and approach to learning.

Selamat belajar bahasa Melayu!

Happy learning Malay! You can do it!

Makan with Sofia - speak in natural Malay

2023-10-08T15:01:00.001+08:00

Assalamualaikum dan apa khabar semua? Today we will speak in natural Malay with our little guest from our previous posts which is SOFIA.

We will be speaking using the verb MAKAN which means to eat. Our conversation will be about food ate by Sofia for breakfast and lunch.

Sofia is only 7 years old and is a native Spanish speaker. Obviously she will not be able to pronounce them clearly.

Make sure you listen to my pronunciation and keep listening to the end for the full UNEDITED version of the audio.

Here is the video for you to enjoy:

Conversational Malay with verb - CAKAP

2023-09-27T17:00:00.000+08:00

Today's post of Conversational Malay with verb - CAKAP will cover 4 dialogues in natural Malay conversation which happens between two people.

In the previous lesson, we have practised natural conversation with the verb - MINUM and MAKAN.

Check out the link for these in the description box of Youtube video for those who haven't studied them or you may access from here - MINUM and MAKAN.

In today's lesson, Let's study some natural conversation using the verb CAKAP.

The verb CAKAP could mean all of these in English:

to talk
to speak
to say
to tell
to inform

There will be 4 simple dialogues between 2 people and they will be repeated two times each. After that, you and I will be using these dialogues for practice.

But..but..but.before we proceed...as usual, jangan lupa tolong saya.

Don't forget to help me to grow the channel by doing the following.

Subscribe
Comment
Share
Like

Terima kasih sangat-sangat!

Let's start with the first dialogue - dialog pertama. Jom mula!

Cakaplah. Saya dengar ni = Say (it). I’m listening.

Saya dah cakap dua kali = I have said (it) two times.

Cakap apa? = What did you say?

Saya cakap saya lapar = I said I’m hungry.

Dialog kedua = Second dialogue

Dah cakap dengan dia? = Have you talked to him?

Belum lagi. = Not yet.

Habis tu, bila nak cakap? = Then, when will you talk (to him)?

Besok lah. = Tomorrow.

Before we proceed with the third dialogue, just a quick announcement..

To anyone who is interested to improve their Malay especially conversational Malay, do sign up for my personal class.

Those who sign up will get a FREE lifetime access to 100 useful Malay words and phrases video.

Go to the link in the description - linktr.ee/ilearnmalay to check the class schedule and the class booking

See you in class!

Now, let's see

Dialog ketiga = Third dialogue

Nak cakap ke tak nak cakap? = Should I say it or not?

Nak cakap apa? = What do you want to say?

Yang aku suka kat dia. = That I like her.

Cakap je lah! = Just say (it)!

Let's continue with our last dialogue

Dialog keempat = The fourth dialogue

Orang tu cakap apa kat awak? = What did that person tell you?

Dia cakap saya cantik. = He told me (that) I’m pretty.

Habis tu, awak balas apa kat dia? = Then, what did you reply to him?

Saya cakap terima kasih! = I told him thank you!

You may watch the video of the lesson here:

Well done! Bagus..we have practised 4 dialogues of natural conversational Malay related to the verb CAKAP!

I hope you like this exercise.

Do write me some comments so I know what to improve and what you want to know more about Malay language.

Well, this ends our lesson for today. I hope everyone find it beneficial.

Terima kasih and Until next time.. sampai jumpa lagi.

Malay Verbs From Drama Clip - PART 2

2023-09-19T19:24:00.002+08:00

This is the second part of Malay Verbs From Drama Clip - PART 2.

Today we will study the Malay verbs in action performed by one of the protagonists from the Malay drama Episode 1 - Asam pedas untuk dia.

Here is the summary of the verbs:

Basuh -To clean, to wash
Potong - To cut
Tumbuk - To mash / to hit
Hidupkan - To turn on
Tuangkan - To pour
Tumis - To stir-fry
Masukkan - To add in, to insert
Tambah - To add
Kacau - To stir
Siap - To be ready, to complete
Tiup - To blow
Rasa - To taste, to feel

Check out the correct pronunciation from the ILearnMalay Channel or from the video below:

Happy learning! Selamat belajar!

Malay Verbs From Drama Clip - Asam Pedas Untuk Dia Episod 1

2023-09-10T18:05:00.000+08:00

Today we will study the Malay verbs in action performed by one of the protagonists from the Malay drama - Asam pedas untuk dia.

Here is the summary of the verbs:

Buka / Bukak (spoken Malay) - To open / to turn on
Keluarkan - To take out / to remove
Tutup - To close / to turn off
Ambil / Ambik (spoken Malay) - To take
Letak - To put
Angkat - To lift / to pick up
Tuang - To pour
Kacau - To stir
Tambah - To add
Masukkan - To put in
Bawa / Bawak (spoken Malay) - To bring

Check out the correct pronunciation from the ILearnMalay Channel or from the video below:

Happy learning! Selamat belajar!

How to use the word JANGAN-JANGAN to express ASSUMPTION or a GUESS

2023-09-06T02:16:00.001+08:00

Today we are going to continue where we left off with the previous video of Jangan in part 1.

If you haven't studied that, I advice that you studied the part 1 first before continuing with today's lesson.

Previously, we have studied the word jangan when it is used with a verb and also when it its not only used with a verb but also when it is extended with a reason which is in Malay we call it as sebab.

That version of Jangan, we have got it covered.

Today's word of jangan does not convey the same meaning as the previous one when the word jangan is repeated.

Now, it is used when you assume something has happened without a clear idea or proof.

It is like a guess or belief that we consider true even if we don't have strong proof. We use jangan-jangan to make decisions or form opinions.

Let's practise pronouncing this word

jangan-jangan

The word jangan-jangan also has a synonym

entah-entah

You could replace entah-entah with jangan-jangan and it still carry the same meaning.

Today, will study four dialogues and we will practise them together

Let's check out the first one

Dialogue 1

The dialogue is between a boss and an employee

Kenapa Ali tak datang hari ni?

Why Ali didn't turn up today?

Kenapa means why

Ali is a male name

Tak datang did not come/ did not turn up

Hari ni today

Jangan-jangan dia ambik MC tak?

Perhaps he has taken a sick leave?

Jangan-jangan perhaps

Dia he

Ambik has taken

Ambik is written with k at the ends as we pronounce in in spoken Malay

Ambil, with L is the proper Malay

MC a sick leave

tak? is just a question mark word

Here, the employee, instead of answering the boss's question..he is guessing maybe his colleague is taking a sick leave..partly maybe he has seen the collegue on the previous day seemingly unwell.

or heard another colleague said that the person was not well ,meaning he has some idea / knowledge beforehand or just a plain guess.

Adoi..siapa nak buat kerja dia ni?!

Gosh! Who will take over his work?!

Adoi.. Gosh! / sometimes when we feel a sudden pain / acute pain - we also shout adoi!

Here, the usage of adoi is more like out of frustration or being annoyed

Siapa who

Nak buat - wants to do / will take over

Kerja dia - his work

Ni?! - or ini means this

Let's Repeat twice:

Kenapa Ali tak datang hari ni?

Jangan-jangan dia ambik MC tak?

Adoi..siapa nak buat kerja dia ni?!

Dialogue 2

Kenapa Lisa senyum sorang-sorang?

Why is Lisa smiling like a fool?

Kenapa means why

Lisa, a female name

Senyum means to smile

Sorang-sorang is a colloquial word means alone, or by himself/ by herself.

The phrase senyum sorang-sorang means having a dreamy smile, smiling like a fool thinking about something.

Jangan-jangan dia jatuh cinta tak?

Perhaps she has fallen in love?

Jangan-jangan perhaps

Dia means she

Jatuh to fell

Cinta to love

Jatuh cinta to fall in love

Tak? is just a question mark word

Dengan siapa?

With who?

Dengan with

Siapa who?

Let's repeat the whole dialogue twice:

Kenapa Lisa senyum sorang-sorang?

Jangan-jangan dia jatuh cinta tak?

Dengan siapa?

Dialogue 3

Apa bunyi bising tu?

What's that noise?

Apa means what

Bunyi means sound

Bising means noisy

Bunyi bising means noise

and tu / itu means that

Now, A is asking his friend of the commotion that he is hearing or seeing or even not seeing, just hearing.

Maybe they live in an apartment and the neighbor is noisy.

then B replies

Jangan-jangan JDT menang tak?

Perhaps JDT has won?

Jangan-jangan perhaps

JDT is a football club from my state- Johor and currently is the strongest team in the league.Yeay!!

Menang means to win

and tak? is a question mark word

and then A asks his friend

Betul ke?!

Really?!

Betul means correct

ke with a question mark is used in a 'yes or no' kind of question

So betul ke? means is that true?

Let's repeat the whole dialogue twice:

A: Apa bunyi bising tu?

B: Jangan-jangan JDT menang tak?

A: Betul ke?

Dialogue 4

Kenapa murah sangat durian ni?

Why is this durian so cheap?

Kenapa why

Murah cheap

Sangat very,so, too

Durian = the fruit durian

Ni/ini this

murah sangat = so cheap like ridiculously cheap

you can change order of the words to be

sangat murah = very cheap

but it has no equal emphasis as in murah sangat.

Jangan-jangan dah busuk tak?

Perhaps it's rotten?

Jangan-jangan perhaps

Dah/sudah means already

Busuk means rotten / smelly

Tak? is a question mark word

Here the friend is assuming although from the outside

the durian looks ok, probably the ridiculously cheap price might mean something else, something fishy is going on with the offer

Sebab tu la dia jual murah sangat kot.

That's why he sold it so cheap, I guess.

Sebab means reason

Tu / itu that

La /Lah is used as an emphasis for sebab tu

Jual means to sell

Murah cheap

Sangat very, so

Kot is used as a guess

Then A replied to B's assumption with more guesswork

Let's repeat the whole dialogue twice:

A: Kenapa murah sangat durian ni?

B: Jangan-jangan dah busuk tak?

A: Sebab tu la dia jual murah sangat kot.

What a long lesson! Thank you for watching until the end. That's the spirit!

You may watch the video here:

I hope this lesson will be very useful for you.

Ok..don't forget, to those who wants to practise your Malay with me, go to this new link to get all the juicy details! - https://linktr.ee/ilearnmalay

Baiklah...alright, this marks the end of today's lesson. Until next time, terima kasih sangat-sangat semua! dan sampai jumpa lagi!

How to use the word 'MACAM' in Malay - Part 1

2023-08-31T02:55:00.001+08:00

In Malay, the word "macam" is quite versatile and can be used in various ways. There are:

1. Comparison

Use "macam" to compare two things, indicating similarity or likeness.

- Dia makan makanan itu macam dia lapar sangat. (He ate the food as if he was very hungry.)

- Bunga ini cantik macam matahari terbit. (This flower is beautiful like a sunrise.)

2. Simile

Use "macam" to create similes, expressing a similarity between two things.

- Wajahnya merah macam tomato. (His face is red like a tomato.)

- Gadis itu senyum macam bunga. (The girl smiled like a flower.)

3. Variety or Type

Use "macam" to express different types or varieties of something.

- Kedai ini jual macam-macam barang elektronik. (This shop sells all kinds of electronic goods.)

- Makanan di restoran ini ada macam-macam rasa. (The food at this restaurant comes in various flavors.)

4. Options

Use "macam" to list various options or choices.

- Kat sana ada macam-macam pilihan baju. (There, they have various clothing choices.)

- Dia beri saya macam-macam buku untuk dipilih. (He gave me various books to choose from.)

5. Describing Diversity

Use "macam" to describe a wide range or diversity.

- Rakan-rakan saya datang dari macam-macam negara. (My friends come from various countries.)

- Kelas ini diikuti oleh pelajar-pelajar dari macam-macam latar belakang. (This class is attended by students from various backgrounds.)

Check out the first part of MACAM in the video below:

Selamat belajar! Happy learning!

Conversational Malay with verb - MINUM

2023-08-20T16:49:00.003+08:00

Today's post of Conversational Malay with verb - MINUM will cover 6 dialogues in natural Malay conversation which happens between two people.

They can be friends or colleagues too in an office setting for example.

Both are discussing on an action related to the verb MINUM - meaning to drink.

The method on using this video to improve your fluency in Malay. The GOAL is NOT to understand each and every word in English, WORD by WORD, no.

Rather, you need to understand the meaning of the phrases or sentences as a whole.

Because if you do try to understand the meaning of each word sometimes the sentence won't make sense at all in English as if you are doing a word-by-word translation and in the end it came out as nonsense.

My advice:

Understand how is the phrase or sentence is used based on context and observe the tone when I say the sentence.

My second advice:

Memorize the phrase if you can.

Third advice:

Repeat, repeat and repeat the exercise to gain fluency.

Check out the video on today's lesson and more sample sentences related to the verb MINUM in this post.

Saya suka minum air kelapa. = I like to drink coconut water.

Dia lebih suka minum teh daripada kopi. = He prefers to drink tea than coffee.

Kita sepatutnya minum banyak air setiap hari = We should drink a lot of water everyday.

Saya minum segelas jus oren untuk sarapan. = I drink a glass of orange juice for breakfast.

Mereka jemput kami untuk minum kopi. = They invite us for drinking coffee.

Selamat belajar! = Happy learning!

Teaching Malay to Children

2023-08-16T01:06:00.000+08:00

Teaching Malay to children can be a fun and engaging experience. Here are some steps and tips to help you get started:

1. Start with Basics

Begin by introducing basic Malay words and phrases that are relevant to the child's everyday life. Focus on greetings, numbers, colors, and simple phrases like "hello," "goodbye," "please," and "thank you."

2. Use Visual Aids

Visual aids such as flashcards, pictures, and colorful posters can make learning more exciting and memorable. You can use images to associate words with objects, making it easier for the child to grasp the meanings.

3. Sing Songs and Rhymes

Children love music and rhymes. Teach them popular Malay nursery rhymes or songs. Singing along can help them learn new words and improve pronunciation.

4. Storytelling

Narrate simple stories in Malay or use translated versions of popular children's stories. This can help expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

5. Interactive Activities

Engage the child in interactive activities like games, puzzles, and coloring related to Malay language and culture. This keeps learning enjoyable and hands-on.

6. Practice Conversations

Engage in simple conversations in Malay with the child. You can have pretend dialogues where the child plays a role and responds in Malay. This helps them practice speaking and understanding the language.

7. Encourage Repetition

Repetition is key to language learning. Repeat words and phrases regularly to reinforce their memory.

8. Use Context

Teach words and phrases in context. For example, when teaching colors, you can use objects of those colors to reinforce the learning.

9. Celebrate Progress

Celebrate small achievements and milestones to boost the child's confidence and motivation. This could be as simple as praising them for correctly pronouncing a word or understanding a phrase.

10. Be Patient and Positive

Learning a new language takes time, especially for young children. Be patient, encouraging, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the learning process.

11. Cultural Exposure

Introduce the child to Malay culture, traditions, and customs. This can pique their interest and provide a deeper understanding of the language.

12. Use Technology Wisely

There are many language learning apps, online resources, and videos available for children. Choose age-appropriate resources that align with your teaching approach.

13. Practice Regularly

Consistency is key. Set aside regular time for Malay lessons and practice. Short, frequent sessions are often more effective than infrequent, long sessions.

Remember, the goal is to make learning Malay enjoyable and engaging for the child. Adapt your teaching methods based on the child's interests and learning style. As they build their language skills, gradually introduce more complex vocabulary and grammar concepts.

Words Related to Emotions with SENTENCES examples in Malay

2023-08-15T00:30:00.001+08:00

Previously, we have studied the vocabularies or words related to emotion in Malay. Today, we will elaborate each word with sentence example in Malay.

Check out the video lesson for words related to Emotions with SENTENCES examples in Malay here or you may click to this link.

Happy learning!

Selamat belajar!

Conversational Malay with verb - MAKAN

2023-08-11T13:21:00.000+08:00

Today's post of Conversational Malay with verb - MAKAN will cover 6 dialogues in natural Malay conversation which happens between two friends.

They can be colleagues too in an office setting for example.

Both are discussing on where to MAKAN - meaning where to eat.

The method on using this video to improve your fluency in Malay is not to understand each and every word in English.

Rather, you need to understand the meaning of the phrases or sentences.

Because if you try to understand the meaning of each word sometimes the sentence won't make sense in English as if you are doing a word-by-word translation and in the end it came out as nonsense.

My advice: Understand how is the phrase or sentence is used based on context and observe the tone when I say the sentence.

My second advice: Memorize the phrase if you can.

Third advice: Repeat, repeat and repeat the exercise to gain fluency.

Check out the video and happy learning!

Words Related to Emotions in Malay

2023-08-06T18:14:00.006+08:00

Assalamualaikum dan apa khabar semua? Hi everyone!

Today we will study words related to emotion.

Emotion means emosi in Malay.

These are just a few examples of emotional words in Malay. There are many more emotions and nuances in the language to describe feelings and states of mind.

Here are some sample sentences.

1. Bahagia means happy.

Setiap kali saya bermain dengan anjing kesayangan saya, saya merasa bahagia.

Every time I play with my beloved dog, I feel happy.

2. Sedih means sad.

Dia merasa sedih setelah mendengar berita tentang kematian neneknya.

He felt sad after hearing the news about his grandmother's passing.

3. Marah means angry.

Ayah saya marah ketika saya pulang terlambat malam.

My father got angry when I came home late at night.

4. Takut means afraid.

Adik perempuan saya takut pada ketinggian.

My younger sister is afraid of heights.

5. Gembira means happy, joyful.

Seluruh keluarga kami merasa gembira saat berkumpul di hari raya.

Our whole family feels joyful when gathering during the festive season.

6. Cemburu means jealous.

Lisa merasa cemburu melihat sahabatnya mendapatkan hadiah istimewa.

Lisa feels jealous seeing her friend receiving a special gift.

7. Terkejut means shocked, surprised.

Kami semua terkejut dengan kehadiran tamu tak terduga di pesta itu.

We were all surprised by the unexpected arrival of a guest at the party.

8. Risau means worried.

Ibu saya selalu merasa risau jika saya pulang terlambat dari sekolah.

My mother always gets worried if I come home late from school.

9. Geram means frustrated, angry, resentful, hate and sometimes can mean to like someone.

Dia merasa geram karena komputernya tiba-tiba mati saat sedang bekerja.

He got frustrated when his computer suddenly shut down while he was working.

10. Tenang means calm, at peace.

Duduk di tepi pantai dan menikmati senja membuat saya merasa tenang.

Sitting by the beach and enjoying the sunset makes me feel calm.

Watch the following video for more words related to emotions in Malay.

Happy learning!

Selamat belajar!

Names of Animals in Malay with Sofia

2023-08-01T17:56:00.000+08:00

Assalamualaikum dan apa khabar semua? Today we will learn names of animals in Malay with our little friend, Sofia.

We will learn names of 25 animals in Malay.

I will pronounce the names in Malay and in English while Sofia will say the names in Malay and Spanish.

Sofia is only 7 years old and is a native Spanish speaker. Obviously she will not be able to pronounce them clearly.

Make sure you listen to my pronunciation first for each animal.

Here is the list of the twenty five animals:

Anjing
Kucing
Arnab
Kuda
Panda
Harimau
Ikan
Beruang
Burung
Zirafah
Jerung
Lembu
Unta
Kambing
Monyet
Kambing biri-biri
Lebah
Serigala
Ular
Ayam Belanda
Katak
Musang
Koala
Gajah
Ayam jantan

How to memorize them? You can make a flashcard for yourself in many app like Quizlet, Anki for example.

Make sure you pronounce them just like how I pronounce them.

Other than that, create sentences using the words. That way you could practise writing in Malay as well.

Another method is do a search in Google for each animal or in Youtube so you could read or see a video in Malay about the animals.

Check out their meanings in English and Spanish in the following video or you can go directly to ILearnMalay Youtube channel to view other videos too.

Happy learning!

Keluarga is Family - VOCAB LIST ONLY

2023-07-30T19:51:00.001+08:00

The post is only for the words in Malay related to family. Keluarga is family in English. Here are some of the list of words at your disposal with an example sentences.

Ayah

Ayah means father.

Ayah saya seorang guru.

My father is a teacher.

Bapa

Bapa also means father.

Mana bapa awak?

Where is your father?

Ibu

Ibu means mother.

Berapa umur ibu awak?

How old is your mother?

Emak

Emak also means mother.

Emak awak cantik ke?

Is your mother pretty?

Pakcik

Pakcik means uncle.

Saya ada tiga orang pakcik.

I have three uncles.

Makcik

Makcik means aunt.

Semua makcik saya belum kahwin.

All my aunts are not married yet.

Datuk

Datuk means grandfather.

Umur datuk saya 80 (lapan puluh) tahun.

My grandfather is 80 years old.

Nenek

Nenek means grandmother.

Nenek saya dah meninggal dunia.

My grandmother has passed away.

Anak lelaki

Anak lelaki means son.

Anak lelaki awak sangat kacak.

Your son is very handsome.

Anak perempuan

Anak perempuan means daughter.

Awak ada berapa orang anak perempuan?

How many daughters do you have?

Watch this video for the full list.

Selamat belajar!

Happy learning!