awak buat apa?
/ˈawak buat ˈapə/word by word
To say "what are you doing?" in Malay, use awak buat apa?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their current activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of awak (you), buat (do/make) and apa (what).
Which one should you use?
Apa yang anda sedang lakukan? is a much more formal and grammatically complete way to ask the same question. In Indonesia, the formal way to ask "What are you doing?" is Apa yang sedang kamu lakukan?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form awak buat apa? is informal and suitable for friends or peers. For a formal setting, use Apa yang anda sedang lakukan?
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual conversation, the subject awak is often dropped, leaving just buat apa? to mean "doing what?" or "what are you doing?" The word sedang can be used to specify that an action is "currently" or "in the process of" happening.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈawak buat ˈapə/
Did you know?
- The word awak originally meant 'waist' in Proto-Austronesian, long before it evolved into the second-person pronoun used in this phrase.
- In casual Malay, buat apa? is often used as a greeting similar to 'what is up?' rather than a literal inquiry into a person's activity.
- While awak is a standard informal 'you', using it with a superior or an elder can be perceived as rude or overly familiar in some Malaysian cultures.
Example conversation
Siti enters the room and finds Ahmad busy with a book.
- SitiAhmad, awak buat apa?Ahmad, what are you doing?
- AhmadSaya tengah baca buku sahaja.I am just reading a book.
- SitiOh, saya ingat awak sedang tidur.Oh, I thought you were sleeping.
- AhmadBukan, saya baru bangun.No, I just woke up.
