Learn Hardcore Malay: Saya ketinggalan bas itu, tetapi saya sedang menunggu bas seterusnya. - I missed that bus, but I am waiting for the next one.

In Malay, ketinggalan literally means “to fall behind,” and it’s the standard way to say you missed scheduled transport like a bus or train. You could also hear terlepas in colloquial speech (e.g. saya terlepas bas), but ketinggalan is more neutral. Saying tertinggal by itself is uncommon for missing a ride—it usually implies “left behind” in a different sense (e.g. leaving an object).

What role does sedang play in saya sedang menunggu?

sedang marks the progressive aspect (“right now”).

saya menunggu can mean “I wait” or “I will wait,” often implying habitual or future action.
saya sedang menunggu explicitly means “I am waiting” at this moment.

Why isn’t there a preposition equivalent to “for” in menunggu bas seterusnya?

In Malay, menunggu already carries the sense “to wait for.” Adding untuk (to) would change the meaning to “wait in order to,” so we simply say menunggu + object (e.g. menunggu bas).

What does seterusnya mean in bas seterusnya, and are there alternatives?

seterusnya means “next” or “subsequent.” So bas seterusnya = “the next bus.” You can also say bas berikutnya, which is a direct synonym, or in colloquial speech just bas seterusnya/bas berikutnya without any major difference in meaning.

Why use tetapi instead of tapi, and can it start a sentence?

tetapi is the more formal conjunction for “but,” while tapi is its informal variant. Both are correct, and beginning a clause or sentence with tetapi (or tapi) is common in speech. In very formal writing, you might prefer tetapi or even namun.

Is it necessary to repeat saya in both clauses?

Malay allows omitting the subject when it’s clear, so ketinggalan bas itu, tetapi sedang menunggu bas seterusnya is grammatically acceptable and understood. However, repeating saya in each clause sounds more natural and clear in written and polite spoken Malay.