Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances between similar verbs. In Malay, two commonly used verbs are **berhenti** and **mulakan**, which translate to “stop” and “start” in English, respectively. Understanding these words and how to use them correctly in sentences is crucial for effective communication.
Berhenti – Stop
Berhenti is a verb in Malay that means “to stop.” It is used to indicate the cessation of an action, movement, or process.
Saya akan berhenti merokok mulai hari ini.
Related Vocabulary
Henti – This is the root word of berhenti and also means “to stop.”
Dia cuba henti kereta dengan tiba-tiba.
Berhentilah – This is the imperative form of berhenti, used to command someone to stop.
Berhentilah bercakap dan dengar.
Berhenti-henti – This word means “to stop and start repeatedly.”
Kereta itu berhenti-henti di jalan raya.
Mulakan – Start
Mulakan is a verb in Malay that means “to start.” It is used to signify the beginning of an action, movement, or process.
Kita akan mulakan mesyuarat pada pukul 10 pagi.
Related Vocabulary
Mula – This is the root word of mulakan and also means “to start.”
Dia ingin mula belajar bahasa Jepun.
Permulaan – This noun means “the beginning” or “the start.”
Hari ini adalah permulaan semester baru.
Mulakanlah – This is the imperative form of mulakan, used to command someone to start.
Mulakanlah kerja anda sekarang.
Comparing Berhenti and Mulakan
Understanding the difference between berhenti and mulakan can be tricky but is essential for clear communication. Berhenti is used when you want to stop an action, while mulakan is used when you want to start an action.
Saya akan berhenti menonton TV dan mulakan kerja rumah saya.
Contextual Usage
Berhenti is often used in the context of stopping a habitual action or an ongoing process.
Dia perlu berhenti makan makanan ringan untuk menjaga kesihatan.
Mulakan is often used in the context of initiating a new action or process.
Mereka akan mulakan projek baru minggu depan.
Common Expressions
In Malay, there are common expressions that use these verbs, and learning them can enhance your language skills.
Berhenti kerja – This phrase means “to quit a job.”
Dia memutuskan untuk berhenti kerja di syarikat itu.
Mulakan perjalanan – This phrase means “to start a journey.”
Mereka akan mulakan perjalanan ke luar negara esok.
Practice Exercises
To help solidify your understanding of berhenti and mulakan, here are some practice exercises. Try to translate the following sentences into Malay using the correct form of the verbs.
1. I want to stop eating fast food.
2. Can you start the meeting now?
3. She decided to quit her job.
4. They will start the new project next month.
5. He needs to stop smoking.
Answers:
1. Saya mahu berhenti makan makanan segera.
2. Boleh awak mulakan mesyuarat sekarang?
3. Dia memutuskan untuk berhenti kerja.
4. Mereka akan mulakan projek baru bulan depan.
5. Dia perlu berhenti merokok.
Conclusion
Understanding and using berhenti and mulakan correctly in Malay can significantly improve your communication skills. Remember that berhenti is used to indicate stopping an action, while mulakan is used to indicate starting an action. Practice using these words in different contexts to become more fluent and confident in your Malay language skills.
