atau
[a.tau̯]
The English phrase 'or' is translated into Malay as atau.
The word is used to connect two or more alternatives in a sentence, acting as a conjunction similar to how 'or' functions in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Malay, atau is used to connect two or more alternatives in a sentence.
Did you know?
- The word atau is a direct linguistic descendant of the Sanskrit word 'athavā'.
- In casual spoken Malay, especially in Malaysia, people often skip atau entirely and simply use a rising intonation at the end of a sentence to imply a choice.
- When using atau to offer a choice between two things, it is common to hear the word 'sama ada' used to mean 'whether or not'.
Examples in context
- Kami tidak makan atau minum.We didn't eat or drink.This sentence is useful for showing how to use atau in a negative context regarding eating and drinking.Tatoeba #11029413 by imperiex, translation #10944541 by CM
- Awak seorang pelakon atau penyanyi?Are you an actor or a singer?This sentence is useful for asking a question about two different professions using atau.Tatoeba #1923838 by Adou_Fr, translation #7593080 by feudalism
- Adakah awak ingin membeli benda itu ataupun tidak?Are you going to buy that or not?This sentence is useful for demonstrating a choice between an action and its opposite.Tatoeba #9724541 by imperiex, translation #3150866 by CK
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmad and Nur are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- AhmadNur, awak mahu nasi lemak atau mi goreng?Nur, do you want nasi lemak or fried noodles?
- NurSaya mahu mi goreng sahaja.I only want fried noodles.
- AhmadBaiklah, saya akan pesan untuk kita.Alright, I will order for us.
- NurTerima kasih, Ahmad.Thank you, Ahmad.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry atau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
