Halo
'Hello' 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
Noun
205
soalan
question
A sentence or phrase used to ask for information.
MSA
Verb
11
mempunyai
have
To possess, own, or hold.
MSA
Verb
227
harus
must
To be required to do something.
MSA
Verb
288
menunggu
wait
To stay in one place or delay action until a particular time or event occurs.
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