Learn Hardcore Malay: Sebelum tidur, saya menulis nota tentang tujuan perjalanan supaya saya tidak terlupa esok. - Before sleeping, I write notes about the purpose of the trip so that I will not forget tomorrow.

In Malay, a comma often follows an introductory phrase (especially a time phrase) to separate it from the main clause. It helps clarify that Sebelum tidur is setting the time for the main action.

In Sebelum tidur, is tidur acting as a noun or a verb?

Malay verbs are not inflected, so the same word can function as verb or noun. Here tidur (sleep) behaves like a noun (gerund) meaning “(the act of) sleeping.”

How is menulis formed from the root tulis?

Tulis means to write. The prefix me- (which becomes men- before t-) turns it into a verb focusing on the subject. So menulis = to write (with an actor doing the writing).

What tense is saya menulis, and how do we know if it’s past or present?

Malay verbs don’t change form for tense. Saya menulis could be I write, I am writing, or I wrote. Time is determined by context or time words (e.g., sudah for past, nanti for future).

What does nota mean, and is it an English word?

Nota means note (as in a written reminder). It’s a Malay loanword from English but fully integrated into Malay spelling and pronunciation.

What does tujuan perjalanan mean?

Tujuan = purpose or destination
Perjalanan = journey or trip
Together, tujuan perjalanan = purpose of the trip or travel destination.

What is the role of supaya in this sentence?

Supaya is a conjunction meaning so that or in order that. It introduces a clause expressing purpose: …supaya saya tidak terlupa esok = …so that I won’t forget tomorrow.

Why is it terlupa instead of lupa?

Lupa means to forget. The prefix ter- marks an unintentional or passive sense, so terlupa = to forget (accidentally). Saya terlupa is “I forgot.”

What does esok mean, and is there another common form?

Esok means tomorrow. In some regions you may hear besok, but esok is the standard form in Malaysia and Singapore.