Comparison: Nak vs Mau

Differences between Nak vs Mau

Please refer to this entry to understand the functions of hendak / nak / ma(h)u.

Difference 1: Regional Preference

Generally, nak and mau is interchangeable in most situations and depending on regions, speakers might prefer one over the other. Speakers from East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak) prefers mau. 

Difference 2: Formality

Below are the words arranged in increasing level of formality.

Informal: nak

 1. Saya nak beli barang.

 I'm going to buy things.

Informal: mau

 2. Dia mau rumah yang besar.

 He wants a big house.

Formal: mahu

 3. Perdana menteri mahu rakyat bersabar.

 The prime minister wants the people to be patient.

Formal: hendak

 4. Guru besar hendak memperbesar kawasan sekolah.

 The principal wants to expand the school compound.

Difference 3: Nuance

If it is not influenced by the factors above, then it is due to the slight difference in nuance between nak and mau. Both words are used to express the intention of the speaker. Nak is used more commonly in most situations as it expresses the immediate intention or plan to do something.Thus, nak sounds more urgent and demanding. Whereas mau emphasises more on the desire of the speaker. Consequently, mau makes it sounds like the speaker has thought about it for quite some time.

Invitation: nak > mau

 1. Nak ikut sekali tak? 

 Do you want to come along?

Ordering: nak > mau

2. Nak pisang goreng, 5 biji. 

 I would like 5 pieces of banana fritters.

Preference: mau > nak

3. Saya mau kawan yang memahami saya. 

 I want friends who understand me.

4. Dia tak mau kahwin dengan orang asing.

 He doesn't want to marry foreigners.

Hope/Wish: mau > nak

5. Dia mahu (supaya) orang ramai bekerjasama dengan kerajaan. 

 He wants people to work together with the government.

6. Saya tak mahu awak bersusah-payah. 

 I don't want you to be troubled.

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