Breakdown of Lebihan makanan itu sedikit.
itu
that
makanan
the food
sedikit
few
lebihan
the excess; remainder
Questions & Answers about Lebihan makanan itu sedikit.
Why is there no word for is in Lebihan makanan itu sedikit?
Malay often uses zero copula in simple sentences. That means there is no separate verb like is/are between the subject and the description.
So:
- Lebihan makanan itu = the leftover food / that excess food
- sedikit = little / small in amount
Malay simply puts them together:
- Lebihan makanan itu sedikit.
This is very normal in Malay. English needs is, but Malay does not here.
What does lebihan mean here?
Lebihan means excess, remainder, or leftover amount, depending on context.
It comes from lebih, which often means more, over, or excessive.
With the suffix -an, it becomes a noun:
- lebih = more / excessive
- lebihan = excess, surplus, leftover
So in lebihan makanan, it refers to extra food or leftover food.
Why is it lebihan makanan and not makanan lebihan?