Saya pilih nasi untuk makan malam.

I choose rice for dinner.

Breakdown of Saya pilih nasi untuk makan malam.

• saya: I
• nasi: the rice
• untuk: for
• makan malam: the dinner
• pilih: to choose

Questions & Answers about Saya pilih nasi untuk makan malam.

Why is the word pilih used instead of something like memilih?

In Malay, pilih is the root form meaning "to choose." You might see memilih used in more formal contexts or when following certain grammar rules. However, in casual speech, or when the sentence structure permits, pilih on its own is acceptable and often used.

What does nasi specifically refer to?

Nasi in Malay specifically refers to cooked rice. It doesn’t typically mean uncooked rice—that would be beras.

Why do we say untuk makan malam and not just makan malam?

Untuk indicates purpose or intention. Saying untuk makan malam conveys the idea that you are choosing rice for the purpose of having it at dinner.

Can I switch the word order to Saya untuk makan malam pilih nasi?

That arrangement would sound awkward in Malay. Generally, the core sentence structure is Subject + Verb + Object, so Saya pilih nasi is standard, followed by the phrase untuk makan malam.

Is the phrase makan malam always used for "dinner," or can it refer to "evening meal" in general?

Makan malam typically means "dinner," though it can be used loosely for any main meal taken in the evening. In casual conversation, people often just say makan (to eat) and specify the time if needed.