Learn Hardcore Malay: Kita boleh hantar semua dokumen ke pejabat sebelum pintu tutup malam ini. - We can send all documents to the office before the door closes tonight.

Boleh functions similarly to the English modal can or be able to. It indicates that the action—sending the documents—is possible or allowed.

What is the meaning of hantar?

The verb hantar means send. It is the main verb of the sentence that describes the action to be taken.

What role does ke play in the phrase ke pejabat?

Ke is a preposition meaning to. In ke pejabat, it shows direction or destination, with pejabat meaning office. Thus, it tells us that the documents are to be sent to the office.

How should the phrase sebelum pintu tutup malam ini be understood?

The phrase breaks down as follows:

Sebelum means before.
Pintu means door.
Tutup means closes.
Malam ini means tonight.

So, sebelum pintu tutup malam ini translates to before the door closes tonight, implying that the documents must be sent before the office closes for the evening.

Why use the expression pintu tutup instead of directly saying office closes?

Using pintu tutup (literally door closes) is a common idiomatic expression in Malay. It creates a vivid image of the office or business ceasing operations for the day, much like the door being closed, and is often preferred in everyday conversation.

Can you explain the overall sentence structure used in this sentence?

Certainly! The sentence follows a clear structure:

Kita (subject)
Boleh (modal verb expressing ability or permission)
Hantar (main verb)
Semua dokumen (object)
Ke pejabat (prepositional phrase indicating destination)
Sebelum pintu tutup malam ini (adverbial phrase indicating the time constraint)

This order—subject, modal, verb, object, and additional phrases—is typical in Malay and helps clearly communicate the intended message.