Learn Hardcore Malay: Marilah kita jemput kakak untuk makan kek di rumah baharu ayah dan ibu. - Let’s invite older sister to eat cake at Father and Mother’s new house.

Marilah is the polite, imperative form of mari. It translates roughly to “let us” or “come on, let’s” in English. It’s used to invite or suggest that a group, including the speaker, take an action.

What is the role of kita in the sentence, and how does it differ from kami?

Kita means “we” and is an inclusive pronoun, meaning it includes both the speaker and the listener. In contrast, kami refers to “we” excluding the listener. So by using kita, the speaker is involving everyone present.

How is jemput functioning in this context?

Jemput means “to invite”. In this sentence, it indicates the act of inviting someone—in this case, the older sister—to join in the activity. It’s a direct way to extend an invitation.

What does the word kakak refer to?

Kakak typically refers to an older sister or an older female relative. It’s a respectful term used toward an elder female sibling and can also be used more broadly in polite conversation when addressing or referring to someone slightly older.

Why is untuk used before makan kek and what does it signify?

Untuk means “for” or “to” and is used to indicate purpose. In this sentence, untuk makan kek translates to “to eat cake.” It clarifies that the invitation is specifically to join in the activity of eating cake. While in casual speech sometimes the particle might be dropped, its inclusion here makes the intention explicit.

How is possession indicated in the phrase di rumah baharu ayah dan ibu?

In Malay, the possessor follows the noun rather than preceding it. In the phrase di rumah baharu ayah dan ibu, di means “at”, rumah baharu means “new house”, and ayah dan ibu indicates that the new house belongs to the father and mother. This order contrasts with English, where we usually say “father and mother’s new house.”

What is the nuance between the words baharu and baru in Malay, as seen in rumah baharu?

While both baharu and baru can translate to “new” in English, baharu is often used to emphasize that something is completely new or newly built. In contrast, baru can refer to anything recent or new to the person. In the sentence, rumah baharu implies that the house is brand new, likely recently constructed or acquired by the parents.