Tolong pastikan kasut awak bersih sebelum masuk ke rumah.

Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Malay grammar and vocabulary.

Start learning Malay now

Questions & Answers about Tolong pastikan kasut awak bersih sebelum masuk ke rumah.

What does tolong mean in this sentence?
It means "please." In this context, tolong is used to politely request that the listener take an action.
What does pastikan translate to, and what role does it play?
Pastikan translates to "ensure" or "make sure." It serves as the imperative verb that instructs the listener to verify that something (in this case, their shoes) meets a condition.
How is the adjective used in the phrase kasut awak bersih, especially compared to English?
In Malay, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe. So, kasut awak bersih literally means "your shoes clean," with bersih (clean) coming after kasut (shoes). This contrasts with English, where adjectives usually precede the noun.
What does the clause sebelum masuk ke rumah mean, and what function does it serve?
It means "before entering the house." This clause sets a timing condition, indicating that the shoes should be clean prior to entering the house.
What is the significance of awak in this sentence, and is it formal or informal?
Awak means "you" and, when used after kasut, implies "your shoes." It is more informal and is common in everyday conversation. In formal contexts, anda might be used instead.
How does starting the sentence with tolong affect its tone?
Beginning with tolong softens the command, making it a polite request rather than a blunt order. This is similar to using "please" at the start of an instruction in English.