Learn Hardcore Malay: Semalam, saya baca satu buku sejarah.

Malay verbs do not change form for tense. Instead, time is indicated by adverbs like semalam (yesterday). So baca stays the same whether it refers to past, present, or future—context tells you the time.

Can I use membaca instead of baca?

Yes. membaca is the formal verb form with the meN- prefix. In formal writing or speech you might say saya telah membaca, whereas in casual conversation—especially when you already have a clear time marker like semalam—speakers often drop the prefix and use the bare root baca.

What does satu mean here? Is it “one” or “a/an”?

Literally, satu means “one,” but here it functions like an indefinite article (“a/an”) because Malay has no separate word for that. So satu buku sejarah = “a history book.” If you don’t need to emphasize the number, you can omit satu entirely: saya baca buku sejarah can still mean “I read a history book.”

What’s the difference between satu buku and sebuah buku?

Both can mean “one book” or “a book,” but sebuah is a classifier combined with the numeral that’s standard in Malay for inanimate objects. satu buku is more neutral and common in everyday speech or when you literally mean one. sebuah buku sounds slightly more formal or literary.

Why is it buku sejarah and not sejarah buku?

In Malay, the main noun comes first and the modifier follows. So buku (book) + sejarah (history) = “history book.” The pattern is noun + descriptor.

Is the comma after Semalam necessary?

No, it’s optional. Placing a comma after a time adverb like Semalam can signal a brief pause in writing or speech, but you can also write Semalam saya baca satu buku sejarah without any problem.

Could I add sudah or telah before baca to show past tense?

Yes. You could say Semalam saya sudah (or telah) membaca satu buku sejarah. sudah/telah mark a completed action (perfective aspect). In that case you’d also use the prefixed form membaca, but it’s not required since semalam already makes the sentence past.