beri
/bəˈri/
The English verb "give" is translated into Malay as beri. Wiktionary also lists memberikan and bagi.
Meaning: transfer the possession of something to someone else (verb)
Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| beri | /bəˈri/ |
| memberikan | [məm.bə.ri.kan] (narrow) |
| bagi | /ˈbaɡi/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of transferring the possession of something to someone else.
Which one should you use?
The form memberikan is typically used when the focus is on the object being given. In contrast, the form memberi is used when the focus is on the recipient, such as in the phrase "to give him a book". Additionally, bagi serves as a colloquial substitute for beri.
How does it change in a sentence?
Beri can function as both a root verb and a command in its imperative form.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈri/
Did you know?
- In Malay culture, the act of giving is often accompanied by using the right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
- The word bagi can also function as a preposition meaning 'for', such as in the phrase 'for me'.
- The colloquial word bagi actually comes from the word 'bahagi', which relates to dividing or allotting a portion or inheritance.
Examples in context
- Telefonlah Tom dan beritahu dia.Give Tom a call and tell him.This sentence shows the use of beri in an imperative context.Tatoeba #10656074 by imperiex, translation #9526177 by CK
- Berikan dua contoh haiwan mamalia.Give two examples of mammals.This sentence shows the use of beri in a command to provide examples.Tatoeba #5900256 by Adou_Fr, translation #7593095 by feudalism
- Saya ingin memberikannya kepada dia.I want to give it to her.This sentence demonstrates the use of memberikan to express giving an object to someone.Tatoeba #10727776 by imperiex, translation #2221053 by bluemanshoe
- Pihak kami akan memberikan sumbangan itu kepada organisasi yang memerlukan.Our side will give that contribution to the needy organization.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hafiz is asking Farah for a pen.
- HafizFarah, tolong beri saya pen itu.Farah, please give me that pen.
- FarahBoleh, ini dia.Sure, here it is.
- HafizTerima kasih banyak.Thank you very much.
- FarahSama-sama, Hafiz.You're welcome, Hafiz.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “give” translations and entries beri, memberikan, bagi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bagi, beri, memberikan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
