How to Express Location and Direction in Malay for English Speakers

Understanding Basic Location Words in Malay

When learning to express location in Malay, it's important to know some basic words that describe where something is. These words help you specify positions relative to other objects or places.

• di (at, in, on)
• dekat (near)
• jauh (far)
• atas (above)
• bawah (below)
• hadapan (in front)
• belakang (behind)
• sebelah (beside)

Using Prepositions to Indicate Location

The preposition di is commonly used in Malay to indicate the location of something. It is similar to 'at', 'in', or 'on' in English. For example, di rumah means 'at home' or 'in the house'.

Here are some examples of how to use di with places:

• di sekolah (at school)
• di pasar (at the market)
• di kedai (at the shop)
• di taman (in the park)

Expressing Direction with Malay Words

To express direction, Malay uses words like ke which means 'to' or 'towards'. It is used to indicate movement towards a place.

For example, Saya pergi ke sekolah means 'I am going to school'.

• ke rumah (to the house)
• ke bandar (to the city)
• ke stesen (to the station)
• ke kedai (to the shop)

Common Phrases for Asking and Giving Directions

When asking for directions in Malay, you can use phrases like:

• Di mana...? (Where is...?)
• Bagaimana hendak ke...? (How to get to...?)
• Adakah ia jauh? (Is it far?)
• Bolehkah anda tunjukkan arah? (Can you show the direction?)

To give directions, you might say:

• Belok kiri (Turn left)
• Belok kanan (Turn right)
• Terus (Go straight)
• Di hadapan (In front)
• Di belakang (Behind)

Practice: Useful Location and Direction Phrases in Malay and English