Engsel kabinet itu masih kuat.

A simple breakdown is:

• engsel = hinge
• kabinet = cabinet
• itu = that or the depending on context
• masih = still
• kuat = strong, sturdy, or firm

So the whole sentence means something like:

• That cabinet hinge is still strong
• The cabinet hinge is still sturdy

In natural English, strong may sound a little unusual for a hinge, so sturdy or solid can be a better translation in context.

In Malay, demonstratives like ini (this) and itu (that) usually come after the noun they describe.

So:

• kabinet itu = that cabinet
• engsel kabinet itu = that cabinet hinge or the hinge of that cabinet, depending on context

This is different from English, where we say that cabinet with that before the noun.

Malay often leaves out the verb to be in simple sentences.

So English:

• The cabinet hinge is still strong

becomes Malay:

• Engsel kabinet itu masih kuat

There is no need to add a word meaning is here. This is completely normal in Malay, especially when linking a subject to an adjective or noun.

Yes, literally it looks like hinge cabinet, but in Malay this noun + noun structure is very common.

Usually, the first noun is the main thing, and the second noun describes what kind of thing it is.

So:

• engsel kabinet = cabinet hinge
• pintu kabinet = cabinet door
• kunci kereta = car key

This is similar to English compounds like cabinet hinge or car key, even though the word order may feel unusual at first.

It can feel like either one in translation.

In many Malay sentences, itu can point to something specific and known, so in English it may be translated as:

• that
• or simply the

So Engsel kabinet itu masih kuat could be:

• That cabinet hinge is still strong
• The cabinet hinge is still strong

Which one sounds best depends on the wider context.

Masih means still, and it usually comes before the word or phrase it modifies.

So:

• masih kuat = still strong
• masih besar = still big
• masih di sini = still here

This is similar to English, where still also comes before the adjective in a sentence like still strong.

Kuat usually means strong, but its exact natural English translation depends on the context.

For a hinge, kuat could suggest that it is:

• not loose
• not weak
• not broken
• still sturdy or solid

So although strong is the direct meaning, in context English speakers might say:

• The cabinet hinge is still sturdy
• The cabinet hinge is still solid
• The cabinet hinge is still holding up well

By default, it is understood as singular here: the hinge.

Malay nouns do not always change form for plural. Number is often understood from context.

So:

• engsel can mean hinge or hinges
• if you really want to mark plurality clearly, you can use reduplication: engsel-engsel

But in this sentence, the most natural reading is singular:

• the cabinet hinge

Yes, that is a possible interpretation.

Because engsel kabinet itu can be understood as:

• that cabinet hinge
• or the hinge of that cabinet

In many everyday situations, the difference is not very important, and context tells you what is meant.

If you want to be more explicitly possessive, Malay can also use -nya or a different structure in some contexts, but the original sentence is already natural.

Yes. If the hinge is near the speaker, you could say:

• Engsel kabinet ini masih kuat.

That means:

• This cabinet hinge is still strong

So the contrast is:

• ini = this
• itu = that

Both usually come after the noun in Malay.

Yes, it is natural and straightforward.

A speaker might use it when checking furniture and noticing that the hinge is still in good condition.

Depending on the situation, other adjectives could also be used, such as:

• kukuh = sturdy / firm
• elok = good / in good condition
• longgar = loose (the opposite idea)

But masih kuat is perfectly normal and easy to understand.

The pattern is:

• Subject + masih + adjective

In this sentence:

• Engsel kabinet itu = subject
• masih = still
• kuat = adjective

So the structure is:

• [The cabinet hinge] + [still] + [strong]

This is a very common Malay pattern, for example:

• Rumah itu masih besar. = That house is still big.
• Kereta saya masih elok. = My car is still good.
• Pintu itu masih terbuka. = That door is still open.