Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Malay! Whether you’re a traveler planning a trip to Malaysia or simply interested in learning the Malay language, understanding how to ask “what” in different situations can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express “what” in Malay, as well as provide regional variations where relevant. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in Malay
When you find yourself in a formal setting, such as speaking to an authority figure or in a professional environment, it’s important to use formal language. Here are some ways to say “what” in Malay formally:
- Apa – This is the most common and versatile translation of “what” in Malay. It can be used in various formal contexts, such as asking for information or clarification.
- Apa yang – This phrase means “what is” and can be used to form more specific questions in formal settings. For example, “Apa yang anda mahu tanya?” means “What do you want to ask?”
- Apa itu – This phrase translates to “what is that” and is used when pointing at something while asking for its identity. It’s often employed when referring to objects or items.
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Malay
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use informal language to say “what” in Malay. Here are some commonly used informal expressions:
- Apa – Similar to the formal usage, “apa” is also used in informal contexts. However, the pronunciation may vary slightly, with a more relaxed and colloquial tone.
- Ape – This is a phonetic variant of “apa” that is frequently used in informal spoken Malay. It’s an abbreviation commonly used in casual conversations.
- Chek – This is a popular slang term used in Malaysian colloquial speech. It can be used instead of “ape” and is commonly used by young people in casual conversations.
Regional Variations
While the Malay language is generally consistent throughout Malaysia, there are some regional variations in vocabulary and dialect. Here are a few ways “what” may vary across different regions:
Jawi: In certain regions, particularly in Kelantan and Terengganu, the word “what” is sometimes expressed as “apa kah”.
It’s important to note that these regional differences are relatively minor, and understanding the standard Malay variations covered in the previous sections will generally suffice.
Example Sentences
To help you grasp the concept of using “what” in Malay more effectively, here are some example sentences in both formal and informal contexts:
Formal:
- Apa pendapat anda tentang kursus ini? – What is your opinion about this course?
- Apa yang terjadi? – What happened?
- Apa itu buku? – What is that book?
Informal:
- Apa khabar? – What’s up?
- Ape benda yang kau tengah buat? – What are you doing?
- Chek, kau nak pergi mana? – Hey, where are you going?
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Malay! You now have a solid understanding of both formal and informal expressions for this essential word. Remember to adapt your usage depending on the context, whether it’s a formal or casual conversation. By using phrases like “apa” and its variations, you’ll be able to ask “what” confidently in both spoken and written Malay. Enjoy your language learning journey, and have fun exploring the beautiful culture of Malaysia!
