How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives in Malay

Understanding Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives in Malay

In Malay, demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are used to point out specific things or people, similar to English. They help specify which item or person is being referred to in a conversation.

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives?

Demonstrative pronouns replace a noun and indicate which one is being talked about, such as "this" or "that" in English. Demonstrative adjectives modify a noun directly, like "this book" or "that car." In Malay, these forms are often the same words but used differently depending on context.

Common Demonstrative Words in Malay

The main demonstrative pronouns and adjectives in Malay are:

• ini (this)
• itu (that)
• sini (here)
• situ (there)
• sana (over there)

Using 'Ini' and 'Itu'

"Ini" means "this" and is used to refer to something close to the speaker. "Itu" means "that" and refers to something farther away from the speaker.

For example:

• Buku ini bagus. (This book is good.)
• Kereta itu mahal. (That car is expensive.)

Position in a Sentence

When used as demonstrative adjectives, "ini" and "itu" come after the noun they modify, unlike English where "this" and "that" come before the noun.

Example:

• Rumah ini besar. (This house is big.)
• Meja itu kecil. (That table is small.)

Using Demonstrative Pronouns

When used as pronouns, "ini" and "itu" stand alone without a noun.

Example:

• Ini bagus. (This is good.)
• Itu mahal. (That is expensive.)

Other Demonstrative Words: 'Sini', 'Situ', and 'Sana'

These words indicate location and can be translated as "here," "there," and "over there." They are often used with verbs or prepositions to specify place.

Examples:

• Saya di sini. (I am here.)
• Dia di situ. (He/She is there.)
• Mereka di sana. (They are over there.)

Summary of Demonstrative Usage in Malay

1. Use "ini" for things close to the speaker (this).
2. Use "itu" for things farther away (that).
3. Place "ini" and "itu" after the noun when used as adjectives.
4. Use "ini" and "itu" alone as pronouns to replace nouns.
5. Use "sini," "situ," and "sana" to indicate location (here, there, over there).