Ways to say it
| Malay | IPA |
|---|---|
| kenapa | /kəˈnapə/ /kəˈnapa/ |
| mengapa | /məŋapə/ /məŋapa/ |
| kena apa | |
| apa kena | |
| apa pasal | /ˌapa ˈpasal/ |
Kenapa is a common and versatile way to ask why in Malay. Kena apa is used to ask why something happened to someone or what is wrong with them. Apa pasal is a colloquial way to ask why, often used when expressing annoyance or curiosity about a situation. Adding ye to the end of kenapa makes the expression more informal and friendly, forming kenapa ye.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase apa pasal literally translates to 'what matter'.
Which one should you use?
Mengapa is the formal version of why used in writing or official speech, whereas kenapa is the more common, informal way to say why in daily conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mengapa is a formal expression of why used in written Malay or formal speeches. In informal spoken Malay, nape is a common abbreviation of kenapa. Apa sebab is an informal phrase used to ask why in everyday conversations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Indonesia, the phrase kenapa is commonly replaced with kok in informal settings.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kəˈnapə/
Did you know?
- The word apa in Malay is a linguistic relative of the word aha used in Māori.
Examples in context
- Mengapa dia tidak datang?Why didn't she come?This sentence shows how to use mengapa to ask why someone did not attend.Tatoeba #5491895 by Adou_Fr, translation #1531052 by erikspen
- Mengapa awak basah kuyup?Why are you all wet?This sentence uses mengapa to ask why someone is wet.Tatoeba #10677798 by imperiex, translation #5667691 by Hybrid
- Mengapa Tom tidak membantu?Why isn't Tom helping?This sentence uses mengapa to ask why someone is not helping.Tatoeba #11029314 by imperiex, translation #6796578 by CK
- Mengapa kamu tidak mengirimkan laporan ini?Why didn'1 submit this report?
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hafiz and Siti are talking on the phone.
- SitiKenapa awak nampak sedih?Why do you look sad?
- HafizSaya kalah dalam perlawanan tadi.I lost the match just now.
- SitiKenapa tak cuba lagi esok?Why not try again tomorrow?
- HafizBoleh juga, terima kasih Siti.That could work, thanks Siti.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “why” translations and entries kenapa, mengapa, apa pasal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apa, kena, kenapa, mengapa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
