Word of the Day: How to use '-kah'

-kah can be used in the following ways:

(Question) Particle: is it ...? I wonder ...

-kah is a very flexible particle that can be attached to any clause of the sentence. In formal writing, it is always attached directly after a word, but in casual writing, it may be separated. In major cities of west coast of peninsular Malaysia, it is often pronounced as 'ke' which is also spelt that way in casual writing. The function of -kah is to denote the part of the sentence which is being questioned by the speaker. Presence of -kah then means that it is a question sentence. If answers are not expected, then the purpose is to express the speaker's doubt, hesitation, skepticism or curiosity. 

Examples:

1. Inikah beg awak?  

 Is this your beg? [As opposed to other bags.]

 2. Tempat itu ada ramai orangkah? 

I wonder if that place filled with people...

 3. Bolehkah saya ikut?

 Am I (really) allowed to follow? 

 4. Berita yang saya dengar tentang awak, betulkah?

 Are the news I heard about you correct? 

 

(Formal Question) Particle

In formal situations, the question clause is brought to the front of the sentence and -kah is attached at the end of the clause.

Examples:

1. Siapakah nama anda?   

 What is your name?

 2. Berapa lamakah awak sudah belajar bahasa Melayu? 

 How long have you been learning Malay?

 3. Sampai bilakah anda akan berada di Malaysia?

 Until when will you be in Malaysia?

 4. Di manakah awak rancang untuk sambung belajar?

 Where do you plan to continue your studies?


(Parallel) Particle: or...

-kah can also be used to list down options as how atau is used. It is attached after each option except the last one. If -kah is attached at the last option (even if there's only one option), the speaker is allowing the listener to propose more options. Used this way, the syllable -kah is pronounced with a lengthened vowel.

Examples:

1. Awak suka minum kopikah teh?  

 Do you prefer drinking coffee or tea?

 2. Nak makan di restoran (i)nikah? 

Do you want to eat at this restaurant? [Or any other ideas?]

 3. Ayamkah, ikankah, dagingkah, saya tak kisah.

 I don't mind either chicken, fish, beef or any other things.

 4. Besarkah kecil?

 Is it big or small?


Try writing your own sentences in the comment below...

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