Learn Hardcore Malay: Berbanding tahun lalu, gaji kami kini lebih tinggi dan berbaloi. - Compared to last year, our salary is now higher and worth it.

Berbanding tahun lalu literally means “compared to last year.” It’s an introductory phrase indicating that what follows is a comparison with the previous year.

Why is there no dengan after berbanding?

You can say berbanding dengan (comparing with), but in both colloquial and written Malay it’s common to drop dengan when the context already makes the comparison clear.

What is the difference between kini and sekarang?

Both mean “now,” but kini is slightly more formal or literary, while sekarang is used in everyday conversation. Here, using either one wouldn’t change the basic meaning.

Why is kami used instead of kita?

Kami means “we” excluding the person being spoken to. Kita includes the listener (“we” including you). Since the sentence talks about the speaker and someone else (not the listener), kami is the correct choice.

How do we form comparatives with lebih?

To form a comparative, place lebih before an adjective: lebih tinggi = “higher” or “more high.” For a superlative you’d use paling (e.g. paling tinggi = “highest”).

What does berbaloi mean?

Berbaloi means “worth it” or “worthwhile.” It’s derived from the root baloi with the prefix ber-, indicating a state of being worth the effort or cost.

Can we change the position of kini or Berbanding tahun lalu?

Yes. Malay allows flexibility with time or comparative phrases. You could say Kini, gaji kami… or Gaji kami, berbanding tahun lalu,… The meaning remains the same; only the emphasis shifts.