Learn Hardcore Malay: Saya tahu cara memasak nasi yang sedap.

Saya means “I” or “me” in Malay and is used in formal or polite contexts. Aku also means “I” but is informal and typically used among close friends or family. Using saya is safer when you’re not sure about the level of formality.

What does tahu cara mean?

Tahu means “to know” and cara means “way” or “method.” Together, tahu cara literally means “know the method,” i.e. “know how (to do something).”

Why is memasak used instead of masak?

Masak is the root word meaning “cook” (or “cooked” as an adjective). To form the standard active verb “to cook (something),” Malay adds the me- prefix, yielding memasak.

What is the function of the me- prefix in memasak?

The me- prefix in Malay marks verbs as active/transitive. It attaches to a root verb to indicate the subject is performing an action on an object: • tulis → menulis (to write)
• baca → membaca (to read)
• masak → memasak (to cook)

What does nasi mean, and is there a plural form?

Nasi means “rice” (cooked rice). It’s a mass noun in Malay, so there’s no plural suffix. To specify quantity, you use classifiers, e.g. sepinggan nasi (“a plate of rice”) or sebungkus nasi (“a packet of rice”).

Why is yang used before sedap?

Yang is a relative pronoun that introduces an adjective or clause describing a noun. Nasi yang sedap means “rice that is tasty.” In informal speech you might hear nasi sedap, but yang makes the relative clause explicit and grammatically complete.

What does sedap mean?

Sedap means “delicious,” “tasty,” or “pleasant.” It’s most commonly used for food (makanan sedap) but can describe other enjoyable things, e.g. cuaca sedap (“nice weather”).

Could I say Saya tahu memasak nasi sedap without cara and yang?

In casual conversation you might hear Saya tahu memasak nasi sedap, but it sounds less precise.
• Tahu cara stresses that you know the method.
• Yang signals the adjective clause.
The full phrase (Saya tahu cara memasak nasi yang sedap) is clearer and more standard.

What’s the difference between tahu and boleh in this context?

• Tahu = “to know” (knowledge of how to do something).
• Boleh = “to be able/can” (ability or permission).
So:
Saya tahu cara memasak nasi yang sedap = “I know how to cook tasty rice” (I have the know-how).
Saya boleh memasak nasi yang sedap = “I can cook tasty rice” (I’m able or allowed to).

How would I ask “Do you know how to cook tasty rice?” in Malay?

Formal:
Adakah anda tahu cara memasak nasi yang sedap?
Informal:
Awak tahu cara memasak nasi yang sedap?