Murid itu tiba lambat ke kelas kerana tandas penuh.

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Questions & Answers about Murid itu tiba lambat ke kelas kerana tandas penuh.

What does Murid itu mean?
Murid means “student” (usually primary or secondary level). Adding itu makes it definite (“the” or “that”), so Murid itu = the student or that student.
How do we indicate past tense here, since there’s no change in the verb?
Malay verbs don’t inflect for tense. Context or time words imply it. Here, tiba (arrive) + lambat (late) clearly means “arrived late.” You could add telah or sudah (“already”) for extra emphasis on the past, but it isn’t required.
Why is lambat placed after tiba and not before it?
Adverbs of manner in Malay normally follow the verb. So tiba lambat = “arrived late.” Placing lambat before tiba (e.g. lambat tiba) is possible but less common and can sound more poetic or emphatic.
Why do we use ke kelas instead of di kelas?
Ke means “to” and indicates movement toward a place. Di means “at” or “in” and indicates location. Since the student is going to class, you say ke kelas (“to class”). If you wanted to say “in class,” you’d use di kelas.
What’s the difference between kerana and sebab?
Both mean “because.” Kerana is more formal or written, while sebab is more colloquial and common in speech. You could say Sebab tandas penuh in everyday conversation.
What does tandas penuh literally mean?
Tandas = “toilet/restroom,” penuh = “full.” So tandas penuh means the toilet was full (no stalls available).
Can I start the sentence with kerana tandas penuh?

Yes. Malay allows flexible word order.
Example: Kerana tandas penuh, murid itu tiba lambat ke kelas.
It has the same meaning; you’re simply foregrounding the reason.

Are tiba lambat and sampai lewat interchangeable?

Yes. Tiba and sampai both mean “arrive,” while lambat and lewat both mean “late.”

  • Tiba lambat is a bit more formal/standard.
  • Sampai lewat is perfectly natural in conversation.
How is tandas pronounced, and is it a native word?
Tandas is pronounced roughly /tan-das/ (stress on the first syllable). It’s a native Malay word for “toilet.” In informal Malaysian speech, you might also hear bilik air (“water room”), but tandas is standard.