Operasi itu bermula esok.

That operation begins tomorrow.

Breakdown of Operasi itu bermula esok.

• itu: that
• esok: tomorrow
• bermula: to begin
• operasi: an operation

Questions & Answers about Operasi itu bermula esok.

What does itu do in Operasi itu?

Itu means that, and here it makes operasi into that operation.

So:

• operasi = operation
• operasi itu = that operation / the operation

In Malay, itu often comes after the noun, unlike English:

• rumah itu = that house
• buku itu = that book
• operasi itu = that operation

Depending on context, operasi itu can also feel like the operation, not just strictly that operation.

Why is the word order Operasi itu bermula esok instead of something like Esok operasi itu bermula?

Malay word order is flexible, but Subject + Verb + Time is very common:

• Operasi itu = subject
• bermula = verb
• esok = time expression

So Operasi itu bermula esok is a very natural sentence.

You can also say:

• Esok, operasi itu bermula.

That puts more emphasis on tomorrow. Both are grammatical. The difference is mainly focus, not basic meaning.

What does bermula mean, and why is it not just mula?