Learn Hardcore Malay: Kami memilih jalan pintas lain kerana laluan sehala itu sesak. - We choose another shortcut because that one-way route is crowded.

jalan means “road” or “route,” and pintas comes from “to shorten.” Together jalan pintas literally means “shortcut” and is used just like the English word: a quicker, more direct path than the usual route.

What is the root word of memilih, and how does the prefix me- work here?

The root verb is pilih (“to choose”). Malay uses the prefix me- to turn many roots into active verbs. With mem- before pilih, you get memilih (“choosing” or “to choose”). The initial p of pilih changes to m after the prefix.

What role does lain play in jalan pintas lain?

lain means “other” or “another.” Placed after a noun or noun phrase, it indicates an alternative. So jalan pintas lain is “another shortcut” or “a different shortcut” from the one you might have taken before.

Why is kerana used instead of sebab, and is there any difference?

Both kerana and sebab mean “because.” kerana is slightly more formal and often appears in writing, while sebab is more colloquial. You can say sebab laluan sehala itu sesak in everyday speech with no change in meaning.

What does laluan sehala mean, and why is it two words?

laluan means “route” or “lane,” and sehala means “one-way.” Together laluan sehala is a descriptive noun phrase meaning “one-way route” or “one-way street.” In Malay, adjectives like sehala generally follow the noun laluan.

What is the function of itu in laluan sehala itu?

itu is a demonstrative meaning “that” or functioning like “the” for a specific item. laluan sehala itu = “that one-way route” (the one we’re talking about). Without itu, the phrase would be indefinite: “a one-way route.”

What does sesak mean in this sentence?

sesak means “congested,” “crowded,” or “jammed.” In the context of roads, laluan sehala itu sesak means “that one-way route is congested” or “there’s a traffic jam on that one-way street.”

Why does the sentence start with kami and not kita?

Both mean “we,” but kami is exclusive (“we, but not you”), while kita is inclusive (“we, including you”). Using kami here shows the speaker and their group chose the shortcut, without including the listener in that group.

Could you drop kami and just say Memilih jalan pintas lain kerana laluan sehala itu sesak?

Yes, Malay often allows subject omission when context is clear, especially in spoken language. Omitting kami makes it more like “(We) chose another shortcut because that one-way route was congested,” with the subject implied.