Learn Hardcore Malay: Buku sejarah ini memang menarik. - This history book is indeed interesting.

Malay typically omits the copula—the verb to be (is/am/are)—in simple nominal or adjectival statements. The “is” is implied. You can add adalah in formal writing (“Buku sejarah ini adalah menarik”), but in everyday Malay it’s unnecessary.

What does memang mean in Buku sejarah ini memang menarik?

memang is an adverb meaning indeed, really, or truly. It adds emphasis, confirming that something is exactly as stated. Here it stresses how interesting the book is.

Can I use sangat instead of memang? What’s the difference?

sangat = very, indicates a high degree of an adjective or verb.
memang = indeed/really, adds an emphatic or confirming nuance.
Example:
• Buku sejarah ini sangat menarik = “This history book is very interesting.”
• Buku sejarah ini memang menarik = “This history book is indeed/definitely interesting.”

Why is ini placed after buku sejarah instead of before?

Malay uses post-nominal demonstratives. You say buku ini (“this book”) or buku sejarah ini (“this history book”), never ini buku in standard Malay.

What’s the difference between ini and itu?

• ini = this, for things close to the speaker or just mentioned.
• itu = that, for things farther away or previously mentioned.
So buku sejarah ini = “this history book,” and buku sejarah itu = “that history book.”

Could I drop ini and just say Buku sejarah memang menarik?

Yes, but without ini the phrase is general: “History books are indeed interesting” or “History books in general are interesting.” To specify one book, use ini.

How does buku sejarah work? Is sejarah acting like an adjective?

No, sejarah is a noun (“history”). Malay often forms compounds by placing one noun after another: buku sejarah = “book of history” = “history book.” The first noun classifies the second.

Why does memang come before menarik rather than after?

In Malay, degree adverbs (like memang, sangat, amat) normally precede the adjective or verb they modify. The pattern is [adverb] + [adjective/verb].

Is menarik a verb or an adjective here?

menarik literally is a verb (“to attract”), formed from the root tarik (“pull”) with the me- prefix. In descriptive sentences it functions like an adjective, meaning “interesting.”

How do you indicate plurality in Malay? Why is there no plural marker on buku?

Malay nouns are not marked for number. buku can mean “book” or “books” depending on context. To explicitly pluralize, you can reduplicate: buku-buku = “books.” Here buku sejarah ini is understood as singular because of ini (“this”).