Learn Hardcore Malay: Tolong padam lampu itu, sebab bateri sudah lemah. - Please turn off that light, because the battery is already weak.

In Malay, tolong can mean both “help” (as in “Help me!”) and “please” when making a polite request. In the sentence Tolong padam lampu itu, it functions like “please,” softening the command to “Please turn off that light.”

What exactly does padam mean? Can I use tutup instead?

Padam means “to extinguish” or “to turn off,” especially for lights, fires, alarms, or signals. While you can say tutup lampu, padam lampu is more natural when you want to switch a light off. Tutup literally means “close” or “shut,” and is better suited to doors or containers.

Why does the speaker say lampu itu? Can I drop itu or change it to ini?

Lampu itu means “that light,” pointing to a specific lamp. You can omit itu if context makes it clear (just padam lampu), but adding itu clarifies which light you mean. Use ini (“this”) if the light is very close: lampu ini. In informal speech, itu often becomes tu, as in lampu tu.

Why is sebab used instead of kerana for “because”?

Both words mean “because,” but sebab is more casual and common in everyday conversation. Kerana is more formal and typically used in written or official contexts. In spoken Malay, sebab feels more natural.

What does sudah add to bateri sudah lemah?

Sudah means “already.” Saying bateri sudah lemah emphasizes that the battery has become weak (it was fine before but now it’s low). Without sudah, bateri lemah simply states “the battery is weak” without the “already” nuance.

Is bateri a Malay word or a loanword?

Bateri is borrowed from English (battery) but is fully integrated into Malay vocabulary. It’s the standard term for any kind of battery. In some regions (especially Malaysia), you might also hear accu, particularly for car batteries.

Can I make the command more emphatic or formal by changing the verb form?

Yes. You have a few options:
• Drop tolong for a direct order: Padam lampu itu.
• Add the suffix -kan to the verb: Tolong padamkan lampu itu. (Makes the verb explicitly transitive and slightly more forceful.)
• Use kerana in place of sebab for a more formal tone: Tolong padam lampu itu, kerana bateri sudah lemah.

Could I start with the reason and then give the request? For example, Sebab bateri sudah lemah, padam lampu itu?

Yes, that word order is grammatically correct, and the meaning is clear: “Because the battery is weak, turn off the light.” However, in casual spoken Malay, speakers usually state the request first and then give the reason, as in the original sentence.