Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Malay grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Rumah saya selamat.
Why is there no linking verb (like is) in the sentence "Rumah saya selamat"?
In Malay, the linking verb is is typically omitted. Instead of saying My house is safe, Malay uses a structure where the adjective selamat follows the noun phrase rumah saya directly, conveying the same meaning without an explicit verb.
How does possession work in the phrase rumah saya?
In Malay, possession is shown by placing the possessor after the noun. So rumah saya literally means house my, which translates to my house in English. There is no need for an extra word (like of) to indicate possession.
What exactly does the adjective selamat mean in this context?
The word selamat means safe or secure. In this sentence, it describes the state of the house, indicating that it is protected or free from harm.
Why is the adjective selamat placed at the end of the sentence?
Malay sentence structure often places descriptive adjectives after the noun or noun phrase they modify. In Rumah saya selamat, the adjective selamat comes at the end to function as a predicate, describing the condition of rumah saya without the use of a linking verb.
How could I modify the sentence to add emphasis or additional descriptors?
You could add an intensifier or another adjective to further describe the condition of the house. For example, by saying Rumah saya sangat selamat, you add sangat (meaning very) to intensify the adjective, translating to My house is very safe.