Word of the Day: How to use 'Betul'

Betul can be used in the following ways:

Adjective: correct, true

Betul as an adjective is used to confirm a fact or a statement as the truth.

Examples:

1. Maklumat itu semuanya betul.   

 All of the information is true.   

2. Beritahu saya jawapan yang betul.

 Tell me the correct answer!

3. Encik bukan orang tempatan, betul tak?  

 You're not a local, is that right?

4. Betul, saya bukan orang tempatan.

 That's correct, I'm not a local.

 

Intensifier: indeed, truly, really

When placed after an adjective, betul is used to intensify the adjective as if the subject truly fulfils the quality of the adjective. It can also be used to agree with the other party's claim. In a sentence, the predicate with betul can be brought to front to further emphasize it. Used this way, the sentence becomes more like an exclamation.

Examples:

1. Beg tangan ini mahal betul.   

This handbag is truly expensive.

2. Lama betul kita tak jumpa!

It has indeed been a while since we have met.

3. Letih betul saya hari ini!

I'm really tired today!

4. Betul, menara PNB 118 tinggi betul.

I agree, the PNB 118 tower is really tall.

 

betul-betul

Adverb: really, seriously, completely, exactly

When duplicated, betul-betul works as an adverb to express that a verb has to be performed seriously as how it should. It is also used to assert that the following description indeed fulfils the criteria to be considered that way.

Examples:

1. Buat kerja rumah betul-betul!   

Do your homework thoroughly! [Don't play around or keep postponing!]

2. Minta maaf dengan dia betul-betul!

Ask for his forgiveness properly! [Look into his eyes and say it out loud!]

3. Saya betul-betul tak tahu.

I really don't know. [I'm not lying.]

4. Berita itu betul-betul tak masuk akal.

That news really doesn't make sense.

5. Saya betul-betul nak sambung belajar di luar negara.

I really want to further my studies abroad.


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