Learn Hardcore Malay: Musim hujan selalu membuat udara sejuk. - The rainy season always makes the air cold.

Malay often creates compound nouns by simply placing two nouns together without any linking word. Here, musim (“season”) + hujan (“rain”) = “rainy season.”

Why aren’t there words like “the” or “a” in this sentence?

Malay does not use definite or indefinite articles. A noun like musim hujan can mean either “the rainy season” or “a rainy season” depending on context.

Where does the adverb selalu go, and can its position be changed?

Adverbs in Malay typically appear immediately before the verb they modify. So selalu (“always” or “often”) sits before membuat. You can move it for emphasis—e.g.

Selalu musim hujan membuat udara sejuk.
or place it after the object—e.g.
Musim hujan membuat udara selalu sejuk.
—but the default spot is between subject and verb.

Why is sejuk placed after udara? Can you say sejuk udara?

Adjectives in Malay follow the noun they describe. Therefore it’s udara sejuk (“air cool”), not sejuk udara, which would sound awkward or ungrammatical.

What’s the difference between sejuk and dingin when describing temperature?

sejuk means “cool” or moderately cold (often pleasant), while dingin means “cold” in a stronger, sometimes uncomfortable sense. Here, sejuk fits better to convey a nice coolness.

What does membuat mean in this context? Why use it?

membuat is the active verb “to make” or “to cause.” In this sentence, it means the rainy season causes the air to become cool.

How do membuat, menjadikan, and menyebabkan differ when expressing “make” or “cause”?

• membuat (from buat) = everyday “make/cause.”
• menjadikan (from jadi) = “turn into” or “cause to become,” a bit more formal.
• menyebabkan (from sebab) = “to cause,” often used in formal or written contexts.
All three convey causation, but membuat is the most natural in casual speech.

What is udara? Is it the same as air in Malay?

They’re different. udara = “air” (the mixture of gases we breathe); air = “water.” Don’t confuse them.

How would you say “The air becomes cool” without using membuat?

Use menjadi (“to become”):
Udara menjadi sejuk.