Apa khabar?
'How are you?' in Malay
Photo by Chander Mohan
Language
Malay
Austronesian Family
Left to Right Script
Non-Gendered Language
Bahasa Melayu, or Malay, is an Austronesian language spoken by over 77 million people, primarily in Malaysia, Indonesia (dialect), Brunei, Singapore, and southern Thailand. It uses the Latin alphabet (Rumi) in Malaysia and Brunei, though the Arabic-based Jawi script is also used in some contexts. Known for its straightforward grammar, Malay lacks complex verb conjugations and has a simple plural system (often reduplication). Its vocabulary is enriched by loanwords from Arabic, Sanskrit, Persian, Portuguese, Dutch, and English due to trade and colonial history. As the official language of Malaysia and Brunei, and a national language in Singapore, it plays a key role in Southeast Asian culture and communication.
Flashcards
MSA
Verb
181
mungkin
might
To express possibility; used to indicate that something may happen or be true.
MSA
Adjective
589
terbuka
open
Not closed; allowing access or entry.
MSA
Verb
338
meletakkan
set
To put or place (something) in a particular position.
MSA
Noun
637
rehat
rest
A period of inactivity or repose.
Agents
Malay
Aisha
Meeting clients at Petronas Towers
Female
36
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Businesswoman
Sociable
shopping, cooking, traveling
Malay
Farah
Studying Malay literature
Female
22
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Student
Friendly
cooking, reading, biking
Malay
Rahman
Teaching Malay phrases in Kuala Lumpur
Male
32
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Language teacher
Approachable
cooking, hiking, photography
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