Language/Malay-individual-language/Grammar/Passive-Voice

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Malay (individual language) Grammar → Intermediate Structures → Passive Voice

Introduction

As a Malay language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I have seen the struggles of students when it comes to understanding the passive voice in Malay. In this lesson which is part of the "Complete 0 to A1 Malay (individual language) Course", we will cover the passive voice in Malay, including formation and usage.

Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Adjectives & Give your Opinion.

Passive Voice

The passive voice in Malay is used to show that the subject is the recipient of the action, instead of the doer of the action, which is indicated by the object. The passive voice is formed by using the word "oleh" (by) followed by the doer of the action, followed by the past participle of the verb. Here is an example below:

Malay (individual language)	Pronunciation	English
Rumah itu	Roo-mah ee-too	The house
dibina	dee-bee-nah	was built
oleh pembina	oh-leh pem-bee-nah	by the builder

This table shows that "Rumah itu" (the house) is the receiver of the action, "dibina" (was built) is the past participle of the verb "bina" (to build), and "oleh pembina" (by the builder) is the doer of the action.

Formation of Passive Voice

To form the passive voice in Malay, you need to follow these steps:

1. Start with the object of the active sentence as the subject of the passive sentence.
2. Use the verb "dijadikan" or "dibuat" before the object.
3. Follow with the past participle of the verb.
4. End with the word "oleh" and the person or thing doing the action.

Here's an example:

"Ibu mengajar anak."

Active voice: Mother teaches child.

"Anak dijadikan pembelajaran oleh ibu."

Passive voice: Child is taught by mother.

In the passive sentence above, "anak" (child) is the object of the active sentence and is used as the subject of the passive sentence. The verb "dijadikan" (made into) is used in place of "mengajar" (teaches) to indicate the passive voice. The word "oleh" (by) is used to show that the action was performed by "ibu" (mother).

Usage of Passive Voice

The passive voice in Malay is used for several reasons:

1. To emphasize the receiver of the action.
2. To avoid repetition of the subject
3. To avoid pointing out the doer of the action.

Here are examples that show the use of passive voice in different contexts:

"Kain ini dibuat di Malaysia."

This cloth was made in Malaysia.

Here, the passive voice is used to emphasize the origin of the cloth, instead of the doer of the action.

"Tolong ambilkan saya buku itu."

Please bring me that book.

In this sentence, the passive voice is used to avoid repeating the subject, which is "saya" (me).

"Rumah kami dirampas oleh pihak berkuasa."

Our house was seized by the authorities.

Here, the passive voice is used to avoid pointing out the doer of the action, which is "pihak berkuasa" (the authorities).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the passive voice in Malay helps emphasize the receiver of the action, and is useful in avoiding repetition, and avoiding pointing out the doer of the action. By following the simple steps highlighted in this lesson, you can use the passive voice in Malay correctly to enhance your language learning experience.

Congratulations on finishing this lesson! Explore these related pages to keep learning: Adjectives and Adverbs & Alphabet and Pronunciation.

Table of Contents - Malay (individual language) Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Nouns and Pronouns
• Verbs and Tenses
• Adjectives and Adverbs
• Prepositions and Conjunctions
• Questions and Interrogatives

  ---

Basic Vocabulary

• Food and Drinks
• Numbers and Counting
• Colors and Shapes
• Everyday Objects
• Family and Relationships
• Travel and Transportation
• Jobs and Professions

  ---

Malay Culture and Tradition

• Religion and Festivals
• Malay Customs and Traditions
• Art and Music
• Malay Cuisine

  ---

Intermediate Structures

• Relative Clauses
• Passive Voice
• Conditional Sentences
• Causative Verbs

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Advanced Vocabulary

• Politics and Government
• Science and Technology
• Literature and Poetry
• Business and Finance

  ---

Modern Malaysia

• Malay Society Today
• Pop Culture and Entertainment

  ---

A1 Exam Preparation

• A1 Exam Overview
• Exam Strategies
• Practice Exams

Other Lessons

• Relative Clauses
• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Pronouns
• A1 Exam Overview
• Questions and Interrogatives
• Adjectives
• Exam Strategies
• Nouns
• Practice Exams

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