Question 1

What is the function of semula in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

semula means “again” or “re-.” In baca semula it shows you are re-doing the action of reading, i.e. “to re-read.” It normally follows the verb (though you can also say baca nota itu semula).

Question 2

Why is there no explicit past-tense marker like “-ed” in Saya baca semula nota itu?

Accepted Answer

Malay does not inflect verbs for tense. The bare verb baca can mean past, present, or future depending on context. If you want to make it clear you already finished re-reading, you can add a time word or aspect marker, e.g. Saya sudah baca semula nota itu (“I have re-read that note”) or Saya telah membaca semula nota itu for a more formal style.

Question 3

Why is the verb baca not written as membaca?

Accepted Answer

Both forms are correct. Membaca is the formal, prefixed form (meN-) used in writing or formal speech. baca (the root) is common in everyday, colloquial Malay. So:
• Colloquial: Saya baca semula nota itu.  
• Formal/Written: Saya membaca semula nota itu.

Question 4

Why is the object nota itu used instead of a possessive form like notanya?

Accepted Answer

nota itu literally means “that note.” Using itu as a demonstrative is straightforward for “that.”  
If you say notanya, it usually means “his/her/its note” or “the note” with a sense of possession or known context:  
• Saya baca semula notanya. = “I re-read his/her note” or “I re-read the note (we both know which one).”  
So nota itu is unambiguous: “that specific note.”

Question 5

Can I change the word order to Saya baca nota itu semula?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Malay has relatively flexible word order for adverbs like semula. Both mean the same thing:  
• Saya baca semula nota itu.  
• Saya baca nota itu semula.  
Putting semula right after the verb is slightly more common, but both are perfectly natural.

Question 6

How do I express “I am re-reading the note” (present progressive)?

Accepted Answer

Use the progressive marker sedang plus either the root or the prefixed form:  
• Saya sedang baca semula nota itu. (colloquial)  
• Saya sedang membaca semula nota itu. (more formal)

Question 7

What’s the difference between baca semula and baca lagi?

Accepted Answer

• baca semula = re-read, go back and read from the start again.  
• baca lagi = read more, read again (could be a new part or continuation).  
In many cases they overlap, but semula emphasizes doing it again from the beginning.

Question 8

How can I say “I have already re-read the note” in Malay?

Accepted Answer

Add sudah or telah before the verb:  
• Saya sudah baca semula nota itu. (colloquial)  
• Saya sudah membaca semula nota itu.  
• Saya telah membaca semula nota itu. (formal)

Saya baca semula nota itu.

Breakdown of Saya baca semula nota itu.

Questions & Answers about Saya baca semula nota itu.

More from this lesson

Master Malay — from Saya baca semula nota itu to fluency