Learn Hardcore Malay: Dia membawa bantal baharu dan selimut lembut ke kelas kerana dia mahu berehat sebentar. - He/She brings a new pillow and a soft blanket to class because he/she wants to rest for a while.

In Malay, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. For example, bantal baharu translates literally as “pillow new,” which in English becomes “new pillow.” This post-nominal adjective placement is a standard pattern that can be different from English, where adjectives usually precede nouns.

What does the verb membawa mean and how is it structured?

Membawa means “to carry” or “to bring.” It is formed by adding the prefix mem- to the root bawa. This addition is part of Malay’s system of affixes used to indicate an active verb form, so the structure helps signal the ongoing action of carrying.

How does the word kerana function in this sentence?

Kerana means “because” and is used to introduce a reason or cause. In the sentence, it links the action of carrying items to the reason behind it—namely, that the person wants to rest for a short while.

What does sebentar mean in the phrase berehat sebentar?

Sebentar means “for a little while” or “briefly.” When combined with berehat (to rest), the phrase berehat sebentar indicates that the subject intends to take a short rest.

Why is the pronoun dia used twice, and does it refer to the same person?

Yes, the pronoun dia refers to the same person in both instances. In Malay, dia is a gender-neutral pronoun used for “he” or “she,” and its repetition ensures clarity that the same individual is performing both actions—carrying the items and wanting to rest.