sungguh
The English word 'really' can be translated into Malay as sungguh.
sungguh is an adverb meaning 'actually', 'truly' or 'genuinely'. It is often used as an intensifier before adjectives to mean 'very' or 'really'.
Meaning: actually (adv)
Which one should you use?
While sungguh functions as an adverb meaning 'really', you should use the interjections benarkah or betulkah? if you want to say 'really?' to express surprise or to request confirmation of new information. Additionally, reduplicating the word to sungguh-sungguh changes the meaning to 'seriously' or 'earnestly', often implying doing something with great effort.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an intensifier, sungguh can be placed before an adjective to emphasize its quality, effectively meaning 'very' or 'really'.
Did you know?
- The reduplicated form sungguh-sungguh is often used in the context of apologies to prove one's sincerity, moving the meaning from 'really' to 'from the bottom of my heart'.
- If you use sungguh as an intensifier, you may also see it paired with sekali at the end of the sentence, creating a double emphasis that translates to 'really very'.
- In colloquial Malaysian speech, people often replace the formal sungguh with the word betul to mean 'really' or 'very', which literally translates to 'correct'.
Examples in context
- Sungguh saya tidak faham apakah yang lucu sangat.I really don't understand what's so funny.This sentence uses sungguh to express a lack of understanding.Tatoeba #5491937 by Adou_Fr, translation #2358001 by LanguageExpert
- Tom sungguh gembira untuk berjumpa Mary gembira.Tom was really glad to see that Mary was happy.This sentence uses sungguh to emphasize a state of happiness.Tatoeba #9127752 by LeeSooHa, translation #2958591 by CK
- Saya sungguh terkesan dengan presentasimu.I am truly impressed with your presentation.
- Dia tidak datang, sungguhpun saya sudah menjemputnya.She didn't come, even though I invited her.
- Makanan di restoran ni memang sedap gila!The food at this restaurant is really delicious!
- Kereta baru ni gila laju!This new car is crazy fast!
Example conversation
Hafiz and Nur are discussing a surprise party.
- HafizAdakah awak sudah bersedia untuk parti itu?Are you ready for the party?
- NurSaya sungguh tidak menjangkakan kejutan ini!I actually didn't expect this surprise!
- HafizSemua orang membantu merancang hari ini.Everyone helped plan this today.
- NurTerima kasih banyak, Hafiz.Thank you very much, Hafiz.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
