Kata penguat are intensifiers, words like “very” and “most”. Malay sorts them by position. Terlalu, paling and agak go before the adjective. Sekali, benar and nian go after it. Amat, sangat and sungguh are free to go either side.
What your child will learn
- Choose an intensifier that fits the meaning
- Put each intensifier in its place
- Avoid doubling up, as in “paling tinggi sekali”
Before, after, or free
Paling tinggi (tallest), terlalu mahal (too expensive), agak masin (rather salty) — these three always come first. Cantik sekali, penat benar, indah nian — these three always come after.
Do not use a “before” and an “after” intensifier together: “paling tinggi sekali” and “terlalu panas sekali” are both errors.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Isi tempat kosong: “Beg itu ___ berat sehingga saya tidak dapat mengangkatnya.”
🎒- sekali
- agak
- terlalu
- benar
Show answer
Answer: terlalu. “Terlalu” menunjukkan darjah yang berlebihan.
2. Kata penguat digunakan untuk…
- bertanya soalan
- menguatkan maksud kata adjektif
- menghubungkan ayat
- menafikan ayat
Show answer
Answer: menguatkan maksud kata adjektif. Contohnya: sangat cantik, tinggi sekali.
3. Isi tempat kosong: “Dialah murid yang ___ rajin di dalam kelas ini; tiada yang lebih rajin.”
🧒- paling
- agak
- sekali
- nian
Show answer
Answer: paling. “Paling” menunjukkan darjah tertinggi.
Tips for grown-ups
- Rank three things at home with agak, sangat and paling.
- Listen for “paling… sekali” in everyday speech and fix it together.