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{{Malay-individual-language-Page-Top}}
{{Malay-individual-language-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">Malay (individual language) Grammar → Introduction → Questions and Interrogatives</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">Malay (individual language) Grammar → Questions and Interrogatives</div>
 
Welcome to our lesson on '''Questions and Interrogatives''' in Malay! Understanding how to ask questions is a fundamental part of learning any language, and Malay is no exception. Questions help us gather information, clarify doubts, and engage in conversations, making them essential tools in our language arsenal.
 
In this lesson, we will explore various question words, how to form different types of questions, and the structure of interrogative sentences in Malay. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be equipped with the skills to ask questions confidently in everyday situations.


__TOC__
__TOC__


== Introduction ==
=== Why Questions Matter in Malay ===
 
Questions are a crucial aspect of communication. They allow us to express curiosity, seek information, and connect with others. In Malay, certain words and structures are specifically designed to form questions, which differ from statements. Mastering these will not only enhance your conversational skills but also deepen your understanding of the language.
 
=== Structure of the Lesson ===
 
This lesson will be structured as follows:


In this lesson, we will explore the topic of questions and interrogatives in the Malay language. Questions play a crucial role in communication as they allow us to obtain information, seek clarification, and engage in meaningful conversations. By understanding how to form and use different types of questions, you will be able to express yourself more effectively in Malay and better engage with native speakers.
* '''Introduction to Question Words''' – We’ll cover the essential question words in Malay.


This lesson is part of the "Complete 0 to A1 Malay (individual language) Course," designed for complete beginners who are interested in learning the Malay language from scratch. Throughout this lesson, we will delve into the intricacies of Malay question words and explore various question forms. Additionally, we will provide numerous examples and practice scenarios to reinforce your understanding of the topic.
* '''Forming Yes/No Questions''' – Learn how to pose yes/no questions in Malay.


By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently ask questions in Malay, understand different question structures, and engage in basic conversations with native Malay speakers. Let's get started!
* '''Forming Wh- Questions''' – We’ll explore how to ask questions that start with ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘where,’ etc.


== Malay Question Words ==
* '''Practice Exercises''' – You’ll get to apply what you’ve learned through exercises and scenarios.


To form questions in Malay, we use specific question words at the beginning of the sentence. These question words help us gather information about different aspects such as people, places, time, manner, and reason. Here are some commonly used Malay question words:
* '''Solutions and Explanations''' – Detailed answers for the exercises to reinforce your learning.


=== Apa (What) ===
== Introduction to Question Words ==


"Apa" is used to ask about things or objects. It is a versatile question word that can be used in various contexts. Let's look at some examples:
Question words are the backbone of asking questions in any language. In Malay, they help us gather specific information. Here are some of the key question words you’ll frequently encounter:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| siapa || ˈsi.apa || who
|-
| apa || ˈa.pa || what
|-
| di mana || di ˈma.na || where
|-
| bila || ˈbi.la || when
|-
|-
| Apa ini? || Apa ini? || What is this?
 
| mengapa || məŋˈa.pa || why
 
|-
|-
| Apa itu? || Apa itu? || What is that?
 
| bagaimana || bəɡaˈma.na || how
 
|-
|-
| Apa nama kamu? || Apa nama kamu? || What is your name?
 
| berapa || bəˈra.pa || how much/how many
 
|}
|}


In the first example, "Apa ini?" is asking about the identity or nature of something nearby. The second example, "Apa itu?" is used to inquire about something that is farther away. Finally, "Apa nama kamu?" means "What is your name?" Here, "Apa" is used to ask for information about a person's name.
These words form the foundation for most questions in Malay. Let’s delve into each one a bit more.
 
=== Siapa (Who) ===
 
“Siapa” is used to ask about a person. For example:
 
* '''Siapa nama kamu?''' (Who is your name?)
 
=== Apa (What) ===
 
“Apa” is used to inquire about objects or concepts. For example:
 
* '''Apa itu?''' (What is that?)


=== Di mana (Where) ===
=== Di mana (Where) ===


"Di mana" is used to ask about locations or places. It helps us gather information about where something or someone is located. Here are some examples:
“Di mana” helps you ask about locations. For example:
 
* '''Di mana kamu tinggal?''' (Where do you live?)
 
=== Bila (When) ===
 
“Bila” is used to ask about time. For example:
 
* '''Bila kamu pergi?''' (When are you going?)
 
=== Mengapa (Why) ===
 
“Mengapa” is for asking reasons. For example:
 
* '''Mengapa kamu tidak datang?''' (Why didn’t you come?)
 
=== Bagaimana (How) ===
 
“Bagaimana” inquires about the manner or way something is done. For example:
 
* '''Bagaimana kamu belajar?''' (How do you learn?)
 
=== Berapa (How Much/How Many) ===
 
“Berapa” asks about quantity or price. For example:
 
* '''Berapa harga buku ini?''' (How much is this book?)
 
== Forming Yes/No Questions ==
 
Yes/no questions in Malay are often formed by simply adding a question particle at the end of a statement. The most common question particle is '''"kah."''' Let’s see how it works:
 
* '''Kamu suka nasi.''' (You like rice.) → '''Kamu suka nasi, kah?''' (Do you like rice?)
 
=== Examples of Yes/No Questions ===
 
Here are some more examples of yes/no questions:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Di mana tandas? || Di mana tandas? || Where is the toilet?
 
| Dia sudah makan, kah? || di.a su.dah ma.kan, kah? || Has he/she eaten?
 
|-
|-
| Di mana rumah kamu? || Di mana rumah kamu? || Where is your house?
 
| Kamu pergi ke sekolah, kah? || ka.mu pər.ɡi kə sə.kɔ.lah, kah? || Are you going to school?
 
|-
 
| Ini buku kamu, kah? || i.ni bu.ku ka.mu, kah? || Is this your book?
 
|-
 
| Mereka suka bermain, kah? || mə.re.kɑ su.kɑ bər.ma.in, kah? || Do they like to play?
 
|}
|}


The first example, "Di mana tandas?" asks for the location of the toilet. The second example, "Di mana rumah kamu?" means "Where is your house?" Here, "Di mana" is used to inquire about the whereabouts of someone's house.
== Forming Wh- Questions ==
 
Wh- questions are formed using question words, as we discussed earlier. Here’s how you can structure them:


=== Siapa (Who) ===
* '''Siapa dia?''' (Who is he/she?)
 
* '''Apa yang kamu buat?''' (What are you doing?)
 
* '''Di mana kita bertemu?''' (Where do we meet?)
 
* '''Bila kita pergi?''' (When are we going?)
 
* '''Mengapa kamu marah?''' (Why are you angry?)
 
* '''Bagaimana cara kamu?''' (How do you do it?)
 
* '''Berapa banyak orang datang?''' (How many people are coming?)
 
=== More Examples of Wh- Questions ===


"Siapa" is used to ask about people or individuals. It helps us gather information about the identity of a person or the people involved in a situation. Here are some examples:
Let’s see some additional examples in a table format:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Siapa yang datang? || ˈsi.apa jɑŋ ˈda.tɑŋ? || Who is coming?
|-
|-
| Siapa itu? || Siapa itu? || Who is that?
 
| Apa yang berlaku? || ˈa.pa jɑŋ bərˈla.ku? || What is happening?
 
|-
 
| Di mana kamu bekerja? || di ˈma.na ka.mu bəˈker.ʤa? || Where do you work?
 
|-
 
| Bila kamu pulang? || ˈbi.la ka.mu pu.laŋ? || When will you return?
 
|-
 
| Mengapa kamu tertawa? || məŋˈa.pa ka.mu tərˈta.wɑ? || Why are you laughing?
 
|-
 
| Bagaimana kamu tahu? || bəɡaˈma.na ka.mu ˈta.hu? || How do you know?
 
|-
|-
| Siapa nama kamu? || Siapa nama kamu? || What is your name?
 
| Berapa ramai kawan kamu? || bəˈra.pa ˈra.ma.i ka.wan ka.mu? || How many friends do you have?
 
|}
|}


In the first example, "Siapa itu?" is asking about the identity of a specific person or individual. The second example, "Siapa nama kamu?" means "What is your name?" Here, "Siapa" is used to ask for information about a person's name.
== Practice Exercises ==


=== Bila (When) ===
Now that you have a solid understanding of question words and how to form questions in Malay, it's time to practice! Here are some exercises to help reinforce your learning:
 
=== Exercise 1: Match the Question Word ===


"Bila" is used to ask about time or when something will happen. It helps us gather information about the timing of events or activities. Here are some examples:
Match the English question with its Malay equivalent.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
 
! English !! Malay (individual language)
 
|-
|-
| Bila kamu datang? || Bila kamu datang? || When will you come?
 
| Who || A. Apa
 
|-
|-
| Bila hari lahir kamu? || Bila hari lahir kamu? || When is your birthday?
|}


The first example, "Bila kamu datang?" asks about the timing of someone's arrival. The second example, "Bila hari lahir kamu?" means "When is your birthday?" Here, "Bila" is used to inquire about the timing of a person's birthday.
| What || B. Siapa


=== Bagaimana (How) ===
|-


"Bagaimana" is used to ask about the manner or way in which something is done. It helps us gather information about the process, method, or condition of an action. Here are some examples:
| Where || C. Di mana


{| class="wikitable"
! Malay (individual language) !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Bagaimana cara pergi ke stesen bas? || Bagaimana cara pergi ke stesen bas? || How do I get to the bus station?
 
| When || D. Bila
 
|-
|-
| Bagaimana keadaan kamu? || Bagaimana keadaan kamu? || How are you?
 
| Why || E. Mengapa
 
|-
 
| How || F. Bagaimana
 
|}
|}


In the first example, "Bagaimana cara pergi ke stesen bas?" asks about the method or way to get to the bus station. The second example, "Bagaimana keadaan kamu?" means "How are you?" Here, "Bagaimana" is used to gather information about someone's well-being or condition.
=== Exercise 2: Convert to Yes/No Questions ===
 
Convert the following statements into yes/no questions.
 
1. Dia suka durian.
 
2. Kami pergi ke pasar.  


These are just a few examples of commonly used Malay question words. As you progress in your Malay language journey, you will encounter more question words that will expand your ability to ask questions and engage in conversations effectively.
3. Anda sudah makan.  


== Types of Questions ==
=== Exercise 3: Create Wh- Questions ===


Now that we have explored some Malay question words, let's dive deeper into the different types of questions that can be formed in Malay.
Create a Wh- question for each of the following statements.


=== Yes/No Questions ===
1. (He is my brother.)


Yes/No questions are questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." In Malay, yes/no questions are formed by using a rising intonation at the end of a sentence, without any specific question word. Let's look at some examples:
2. (They go to school.)


* Kamu suka makan nasi? - Do you like to eat rice?
3. (It is a sunny day.)
* Dia datang hari ini? - Is he coming today?
* Adik pergi sekolah pagi tadi? - Did the younger sibling go to school this morning?


In these examples, the questions can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." The rising intonation at the end of the sentence indicates that it is a question.
=== Exercise 4: Identify the Question Word ===


=== WH-Questions ===
Identify the question word used in each sentence.


WH-questions are questions that require specific information and cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." In Malay, WH-questions are formed by using question words at the beginning of a sentence. Let's look at some examples:
1. '''Siapa yang menelefon?''' (Who called?)


* Apa nama kamu? - What is your name?
2. '''Apa yang kamu lihat?''' (What do you see?)
* Di mana kamu tinggal? - Where do you live?
* Siapa yang datang? - Who is coming?


In these examples, the question words "apa," "di mana," and "siapa" are used to gather specific information. The answers to these questions cannot be a simple "yes" or "no" but require more detailed responses.
3. '''Di mana kita makan?''' (Where do we eat?)


=== Choice Questions ===
=== Exercise 5: Fill in the Blanks ===


Choice questions are questions that present options or choices to the listener. In Malay, choice questions are formed by using the question word "atau" (or) in between the options. Let's look at some examples:
Fill in the blanks with the correct question word.


* Kamu mahu teh atau kopi? - Do you want tea or coffee?
1. ______ kamu tinggal? (Where do you live?)
* Nak makan ayam goreng atau nasi lemak? - Do you want to eat fried chicken or nasi lemak?


In these examples, the question word "atau" is used to present the options to choose from. The listener can respond by selecting either option.
2. ______ itu? (What is that?)


These are the basic types of questions in Malay - yes/no questions, WH-questions, and choice questions. By understanding these question types and practicing their formation, you will be able to engage in more meaningful conversations and gather the information you need effectively.
3. ______ kita bertemu? (When do we meet?)


== Cultural Insights ==
=== Exercise 6: Yes/No Questions in Context ===


Understanding the cultural nuances of a language enhances our ability to communicate effectively. Malay culture is rich and diverse, and certain cultural aspects influence the usage and understanding of questions in the Malay language. Let's explore some cultural insights related to questions and interrogatives in Malay.
Read the following scenarios and answer with yes or no in Malay.


=== Politeness and Respect ===
1. (You like ice cream.)


In Malay culture, politeness and respect play a crucial role in communication. When asking questions, it is important to use appropriate honorifics and polite language to show respect towards the person you are speaking to. Malay language includes honorifics and specific terms to address individuals of different social statuses or ages.
2. (They are going to the beach.)


For example, when asking "What is your name?" to someone older or in a higher social position, it is common to use the honorific "Encik" or "Puan" before their name. So instead of saying "Apa nama kamu?" you would say "Encik/Puan, apa nama Encik/Puan?" This demonstrates respect and politeness in the conversation.
=== Exercise 7: Wh- Questions in Context ===


=== Cultural Customs ===
Formulate a Wh- question based on the following information.


Malay culture has certain customs and traditions that influence the way questions are asked and answered. For example, in Malay culture, it is common to ask about someone's well-being or condition when greeting them. Questions like "Bagaimana keadaan kamu?" (How are you?) or "Apa khabar?" (How are things?) are considered polite and customary.
1. (The book is on the table.)  


Additionally, Malay culture places importance on family and community. It is common to ask about someone's family or inquire about their well-being. Questions like "Ada berapa orang dalam keluarga kamu?" (How many people are there in your family?) or "Siapa yang tinggal bersama kamu?" (Who lives with you?) are typical when conversing with Malay speakers.
2. (She is my friend.)  


=== Historical Influences ===
=== Exercise 8: Translation Exercise ===


The Malay language has been influenced by various historical factors throughout its development. Malay is an Austronesian language and has been influenced by Sanskrit, Arabic, and other languages over the centuries. These historical influences have shaped the vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure of the Malay language.
Translate the following questions into Malay.


When forming questions in Malay, you may notice certain similarities with other languages that have had an impact on Malay. For example, the question word "siapa" (who) has similarities with the Arabic word "shay" (thing) and the Sanskrit word "sapa" (who). These historical influences provide interesting connections between Malay and other languages.
1. Where are you going?


Understanding these cultural insights and historical influences will not only enhance your understanding of the Malay language but also enable you to engage more meaningfully with native speakers and appreciate the richness of Malay culture.
2. Who is that?


== Practice Exercises ==
=== Exercise 9: Role Play ===
 
In pairs, take turns asking each other questions using the vocabulary from this lesson.
 
=== Exercise 10: Create Your Own Questions ===
 
Write five questions using the question words learned in this lesson.
 
== Solutions and Explanations ==
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 1 ===
 
1. Who - B. Siapa
 
2. What - A. Apa
 
3. Where - C. Di mana
 
4. When - D. Bila
 
5. Why - E. Mengapa
 
6. How - F. Bagaimana
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 2 ===
 
1. '''Dia suka durian, kah?''' (Does he/she like durian?)
 
2. '''Kami pergi ke pasar, kah?''' (Are we going to the market?)
 
3. '''Anda sudah makan, kah?''' (Have you eaten?)
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 3 ===
 
1. '''Siapa dia?''' (Who is he?)
 
2. '''Di mana mereka pergi?''' (Where are they going?)
 
3. '''Apa yang terjadi?''' (What is happening?)
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 4 ===
 
1. Siapa
 
2. Apa
 
3. Di mana
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 5 ===
 
1. '''Di mana''' kamu tinggal?


Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Below are some exercises to help you reinforce what you've learned about forming questions and interrogatives in Malay. Try to answer the questions and then check your answers.
2. '''Apa''' itu?


=== Exercise 1: Yes/No Questions ===
3. '''Bila''' kita bertemu?


Form yes/no questions based on the given statements.
=== Solutions to Exercise 6 ===


1. Dia mahu pergi ke pasar. (Does he/she want to go to the market?)
1. '''Ya''' (Yes) atau '''Tidak''' (No)
2. Kamu tinggal di Kuala Lumpur. (Do you live in Kuala Lumpur?)
3. Mereka suka makan durian. (Do they like to eat durian?)


Answers:
2. '''Ya''' (Yes) atau '''Tidak''' (No)
1. Dia mahu pergi ke pasar?
2. Kamu tinggal di Kuala Lumpur?
3. Mereka suka makan durian?


=== Exercise 2: WH-Questions ===
=== Solutions to Exercise 7 ===


Form WH-questions based on the given statements.
1. '''Apa''' buku itu? (What is that book?)


1. Nama kamu apa? (What is your name?)
2. '''Siapa''' dia? (Who is she?)
2. Dia tinggal di mana? (Where does he/she live?)
3. Siapa yang menang dalam pertandingan? (Who won the competition?)


Answers:
=== Solutions to Exercise 8 ===
1. Nama kamu apa?
2. Dia tinggal di mana?
3. Siapa yang menang dalam pertandingan?


=== Exercise 3: Choice Questions ===
1. '''Di mana kamu pergi?'''


Form choice questions based on the given statements.
2. '''Siapa itu?'''


1. Mau makan nasi atau mee? (Do you want to eat rice or noodles?)
=== Solutions to Exercise 9 ===
2. Nak minum teh atau kopi? (Do you want to drink tea or coffee?)
3. Mau beli buku atau majalah? (Do you want to buy a book or a magazine?)


Answers:
Participants should create and respond to questions based on their exchanges.
1. Mau makan nasi atau mee?
2. Nak minum teh atau kopi?
3. Mau beli buku atau majalah?


== Conclusion ==
=== Solutions to Exercise 10 ===


Congratulations on completing this lesson on Malay questions and interrogatives! You have learned about different question words in Malay, explored various question forms, and practiced forming questions in different contexts. By mastering the art of asking questions, you will be able to engage in meaningful conversations and better understand the Malay language.
Students should write their own questions, demonstrating their understanding of question structures.


In the next lesson, we will continue our journey through the "Complete 0 to A1 Malay (individual language) Course" by exploring another essential aspect of the Malay language. Selamat maju jaya! (Good luck!)
Congratulations on completing this lesson on Questions and Interrogatives in Malay! Keep practicing and using these question forms in your conversations. The more you use them, the more natural they will become. Happy learning!


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|keywords=Malay grammar, Malay questions, Malay interrogatives, Malay question words, Malay language course, Malay culture, Malay language exercises
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about Malay question words and how to form different types of questions in Malay. Explore the cultural aspects related to questions and practice your skills with exercises.}}


|title=Malay Questions and Interrogatives


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|description=In this lesson, you will learn about the important question words and how to form various types of questions in Malay, perfect for beginner learners.
 
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Latest revision as of 08:21, 1 August 2024

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Malay (individual language) Grammar → Questions and Interrogatives

Welcome to our lesson on Questions and Interrogatives in Malay! Understanding how to ask questions is a fundamental part of learning any language, and Malay is no exception. Questions help us gather information, clarify doubts, and engage in conversations, making them essential tools in our language arsenal.

In this lesson, we will explore various question words, how to form different types of questions, and the structure of interrogative sentences in Malay. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be equipped with the skills to ask questions confidently in everyday situations.

Why Questions Matter in Malay[edit | edit source]

Questions are a crucial aspect of communication. They allow us to express curiosity, seek information, and connect with others. In Malay, certain words and structures are specifically designed to form questions, which differ from statements. Mastering these will not only enhance your conversational skills but also deepen your understanding of the language.

Structure of the Lesson[edit | edit source]

This lesson will be structured as follows:

  • Introduction to Question Words – We’ll cover the essential question words in Malay.
  • Forming Yes/No Questions – Learn how to pose yes/no questions in Malay.
  • Forming Wh- Questions – We’ll explore how to ask questions that start with ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘where,’ etc.
  • Practice Exercises – You’ll get to apply what you’ve learned through exercises and scenarios.
  • Solutions and Explanations – Detailed answers for the exercises to reinforce your learning.

Introduction to Question Words[edit | edit source]

Question words are the backbone of asking questions in any language. In Malay, they help us gather specific information. Here are some of the key question words you’ll frequently encounter:

Malay (individual language) Pronunciation English
siapa ˈsi.apa who
apa ˈa.pa what
di mana di ˈma.na where
bila ˈbi.la when
mengapa məŋˈa.pa why
bagaimana bəɡaˈma.na how
berapa bəˈra.pa how much/how many

These words form the foundation for most questions in Malay. Let’s delve into each one a bit more.

Siapa (Who)[edit | edit source]

“Siapa” is used to ask about a person. For example:

  • Siapa nama kamu? (Who is your name?)

Apa (What)[edit | edit source]

“Apa” is used to inquire about objects or concepts. For example:

  • Apa itu? (What is that?)

Di mana (Where)[edit | edit source]

“Di mana” helps you ask about locations. For example:

  • Di mana kamu tinggal? (Where do you live?)

Bila (When)[edit | edit source]

“Bila” is used to ask about time. For example:

  • Bila kamu pergi? (When are you going?)

Mengapa (Why)[edit | edit source]

“Mengapa” is for asking reasons. For example:

  • Mengapa kamu tidak datang? (Why didn’t you come?)

Bagaimana (How)[edit | edit source]

“Bagaimana” inquires about the manner or way something is done. For example:

  • Bagaimana kamu belajar? (How do you learn?)

Berapa (How Much/How Many)[edit | edit source]

“Berapa” asks about quantity or price. For example:

  • Berapa harga buku ini? (How much is this book?)

Forming Yes/No Questions[edit | edit source]

Yes/no questions in Malay are often formed by simply adding a question particle at the end of a statement. The most common question particle is "kah." Let’s see how it works:

  • Kamu suka nasi. (You like rice.) → Kamu suka nasi, kah? (Do you like rice?)

Examples of Yes/No Questions[edit | edit source]

Here are some more examples of yes/no questions:

Malay (individual language) Pronunciation English
Dia sudah makan, kah? di.a su.dah ma.kan, kah? Has he/she eaten?
Kamu pergi ke sekolah, kah? ka.mu pər.ɡi kə sə.kɔ.lah, kah? Are you going to school?
Ini buku kamu, kah? i.ni bu.ku ka.mu, kah? Is this your book?
Mereka suka bermain, kah? mə.re.kɑ su.kɑ bər.ma.in, kah? Do they like to play?

Forming Wh- Questions[edit | edit source]

Wh- questions are formed using question words, as we discussed earlier. Here’s how you can structure them:

  • Siapa dia? (Who is he/she?)
  • Apa yang kamu buat? (What are you doing?)
  • Di mana kita bertemu? (Where do we meet?)
  • Bila kita pergi? (When are we going?)
  • Mengapa kamu marah? (Why are you angry?)
  • Bagaimana cara kamu? (How do you do it?)
  • Berapa banyak orang datang? (How many people are coming?)

More Examples of Wh- Questions[edit | edit source]

Let’s see some additional examples in a table format:

Malay (individual language) Pronunciation English
Siapa yang datang? ˈsi.apa jɑŋ ˈda.tɑŋ? Who is coming?
Apa yang berlaku? ˈa.pa jɑŋ bərˈla.ku? What is happening?
Di mana kamu bekerja? di ˈma.na ka.mu bəˈker.ʤa? Where do you work?
Bila kamu pulang? ˈbi.la ka.mu pu.laŋ? When will you return?
Mengapa kamu tertawa? məŋˈa.pa ka.mu tərˈta.wɑ? Why are you laughing?
Bagaimana kamu tahu? bəɡaˈma.na ka.mu ˈta.hu? How do you know?
Berapa ramai kawan kamu? bəˈra.pa ˈra.ma.i ka.wan ka.mu? How many friends do you have?

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that you have a solid understanding of question words and how to form questions in Malay, it's time to practice! Here are some exercises to help reinforce your learning:

Exercise 1: Match the Question Word[edit | edit source]

Match the English question with its Malay equivalent.

English Malay (individual language)
Who A. Apa
What B. Siapa
Where C. Di mana
When D. Bila
Why E. Mengapa
How F. Bagaimana

Exercise 2: Convert to Yes/No Questions[edit | edit source]

Convert the following statements into yes/no questions.

1. Dia suka durian.

2. Kami pergi ke pasar.

3. Anda sudah makan.

Exercise 3: Create Wh- Questions[edit | edit source]

Create a Wh- question for each of the following statements.

1. (He is my brother.)

2. (They go to school.)

3. (It is a sunny day.)

Exercise 4: Identify the Question Word[edit | edit source]

Identify the question word used in each sentence.

1. Siapa yang menelefon? (Who called?)

2. Apa yang kamu lihat? (What do you see?)

3. Di mana kita makan? (Where do we eat?)

Exercise 5: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct question word.

1. ______ kamu tinggal? (Where do you live?)

2. ______ itu? (What is that?)

3. ______ kita bertemu? (When do we meet?)

Exercise 6: Yes/No Questions in Context[edit | edit source]

Read the following scenarios and answer with yes or no in Malay.

1. (You like ice cream.)

2. (They are going to the beach.)

Exercise 7: Wh- Questions in Context[edit | edit source]

Formulate a Wh- question based on the following information.

1. (The book is on the table.)

2. (She is my friend.)

Exercise 8: Translation Exercise[edit | edit source]

Translate the following questions into Malay.

1. Where are you going?

2. Who is that?

Exercise 9: Role Play[edit | edit source]

In pairs, take turns asking each other questions using the vocabulary from this lesson.

Exercise 10: Create Your Own Questions[edit | edit source]

Write five questions using the question words learned in this lesson.

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Solutions to Exercise 1[edit | edit source]

1. Who - B. Siapa

2. What - A. Apa

3. Where - C. Di mana

4. When - D. Bila

5. Why - E. Mengapa

6. How - F. Bagaimana

Solutions to Exercise 2[edit | edit source]

1. Dia suka durian, kah? (Does he/she like durian?)

2. Kami pergi ke pasar, kah? (Are we going to the market?)

3. Anda sudah makan, kah? (Have you eaten?)

Solutions to Exercise 3[edit | edit source]

1. Siapa dia? (Who is he?)

2. Di mana mereka pergi? (Where are they going?)

3. Apa yang terjadi? (What is happening?)

Solutions to Exercise 4[edit | edit source]

1. Siapa

2. Apa

3. Di mana

Solutions to Exercise 5[edit | edit source]

1. Di mana kamu tinggal?

2. Apa itu?

3. Bila kita bertemu?

Solutions to Exercise 6[edit | edit source]

1. Ya (Yes) atau Tidak (No)

2. Ya (Yes) atau Tidak (No)

Solutions to Exercise 7[edit | edit source]

1. Apa buku itu? (What is that book?)

2. Siapa dia? (Who is she?)

Solutions to Exercise 8[edit | edit source]

1. Di mana kamu pergi?

2. Siapa itu?

Solutions to Exercise 9[edit | edit source]

Participants should create and respond to questions based on their exchanges.

Solutions to Exercise 10[edit | edit source]

Students should write their own questions, demonstrating their understanding of question structures.

Congratulations on completing this lesson on Questions and Interrogatives in Malay! Keep practicing and using these question forms in your conversations. The more you use them, the more natural they will become. Happy learning!


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



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