Word of the Day: How to use 'Cuma'

Cuma can be used in the following ways:

(Limiting) Particle: only

Cuma, just like hanya, can be used to limit certain details in the sentence. It can come before the subject, verb, object or amount. Sahaja can also be paired with cuma, which comes after the limited detail. The main difference when using cuma is that it carries the nuance that the amount is not enough.

Examples:

1. Saya ada cuma seorang anak.

 I only have a child. {I want more.}

 2. Cuma Adam sahaja yang sudah bayar.

Adam is the only one who has paid. {There should be more people.}

 3. Di rumah itu, dia cumalah orang gaji.

 In that house, he's merely a maid. {Nothing more.}

 4. Bilik ini cuma muat untuk seorang sahaja.

 This room only fits one person.

 

Conjunction: It's just that...

Cuma can be used to start a sentence or to connect contrasting ideas. When a speaker thinks what is believed by others isn't the exact truth, cuma can be used to express the exact truth.

Examples:

1. Saya faham cuma saya tak boleh jawah.

 I understand but it's just that I can't answer.

 2. Dia bukannya nakal cuma suka bermain.

He's not naughty. It's just that he likes to play.

 3. Ibu tahu ayah sibuk kerja, cuma dia berharap agar ayah dapat balik awal sikit.

 Mother knows that you (father) are busy, but she just hopes that you can come back a little bit earlier.

 4. Tak susah pun nak bercakap benar, cuma perlukan latihan sahaja.

 It's not that hard to tell the truth. It's just that you need to practice.



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