apa
/ˈapə/Rumi
The English word "what" is translated into Malay as apa.
apa is used as an interrogative pronoun to ask for information about things. It can also function as an interjection to express surprise.
Meaning: what? (interrogative pronoun) (pron)
Which one should you use?
apa is the standard form, while apakah is a more formal version used in standard written Malay or formal speech. In casual spoken Malay, the suffix is typically dropped and apa is used alone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Ape is a phonetic variant of apa used in informal spoken Malay.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal standard written Malay or formal speech, the suffix -kah is added to the word to form apakah, which serves as a question particle. In casual spoken Malay, this suffix is almost always dropped.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapə/
Did you know?
- The Māori word aha is a distant linguistic relative of the Malay apa, both tracing back to the same Proto-Malayo-Polynesian roots.
- In casual conversation, apa is often used in the phrase apa khabar, which literally asks 'what news' but functions as 'how are you'.
- While 'what' is the direct translation, using apa to refer to people can be seen as very rude or dehumanizing in Malay culture.
Examples in context
- Encik mahu minum apa?What would you like to drink?This sentence shows how to use apa to ask about a preference for a drink.Tatoeba #5900200 by Adou_Fr, translation #24765 by CK
- Apa yang awak ingin beli?What were you hoping to buy?This sentence uses apa to ask about an object someone wants to buy.Tatoeba #9695828 by imperiex, translation #3396797 by CK
- Apakah nombor bilik saya?What is my room number?This sentence demonstrates the use of apa in a question regarding a room number.Tatoeba #10183622 by Kazuki278, translation #464588 by lukaszpp
- Apa pendapat anda tentang kursus ini?What is your opinion about this course?
- Apa yang terjadi?What happened?
- Ape benda yang kau tengah buat?What are you doing?
- 174 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Siti and Ahmad are meeting at a cafe.
- SitiAhmad, apa khabar?Ahmad, how are you?
- AhmadSaya sihat, Siti. Apa berita kamu?I am well, Siti. What is your news?
- SitiTiada apa yang baru.Nothing new.
- AhmadBaiklah, mari kita makan.Alright, let's eat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “what” translations and entries apa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
