Word of the Day: How to use 'Entah'

Entah can be used in the following ways:

Exclamation: I don't know, I wonder

Entah implies that the speaker has no knowledge of something and is also wondering about the answer. When used impulsively in casual settings, it is used to quickly brush off someone's inquirement either because of pure ignorance or disinterest. Be careful as it may sound dismissive in this way. On the contrary, when it is not directed to anyone (self-talk), it may reflect a sense of the speaker's despair due to not knowing something.

Examples:

1. Entah. 

 I don't know (and I don't care). {responding to someone's question}

 2. Entah, saya pun tak tahu.

(I don't know), I also don't know.

 3. Entahlah, cuba tanya orang lain.

 I'm not sure, try asking the others.


Entah {Adjective} entah tidak 

Conjunction: Who knows whether it's {Adjective} or isn't.

This pattern is used to express that the truth about something is unsure of.

Examples:

1. Restoran itu entah sedap entah tidak.

 Who knows whether that restaurant is delicious.

2. Entah betul entah tidak berita dari media sosial ini.

 Who knows whether the news from the social media is true.

3. Majlis itu entah jadi entah tidak.

 Who knows whether the event will happen.



(En)tah + {Question Word} // {Question Word} + (en)tah 

(Questioning) Particle: I wonder..., Who know's...

When used together with question words, it is like the speaker is questioning themself either because they too wonder about the answer or having trouble recalling.

Examples:

1. Entah siapa yang salah sebenarnya.

 Who know's who's actually in the wrong.

 2. Entah apa nasib keluarga di kawasan peperangan itu.

Who know's what's the fate of families in those war zones.

 3. Entah bilalah dia nak balik.

 I'm wondering when will he come back. {in despair}

 4. Mana tah tempat yang saya pergi hari tu.

 Where was the place that I went the other day again? {trying to but can't quite recall}

 

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

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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