dapat + Verb

Ability or Possibility with Dapat

Level 1

dapat + verb = can / able to / managed to.
It focuses on ability and achievement.

How It Works

The word dapat is a modal auxiliary verb. In Malaysian Malay, it has a specific role compared to other words for 'can':

  • Capability and Ability: According to formal grammar rules, dapat is the standard word to express the ability to do something (e.g., Saya dapat bertutur dalam bahasa Melayu - I can/am able to speak Malay). While boleh is often used this way in conversation, dapat is preferred for 'capability' in formal writing.
  • Achievement: It often implies that someone 'managed to' do something or had the opportunity (e.g., Kami dapat melihat pelangi - We managed to see a rainbow).
  • Main Verb Usage: Dapat also functions as a main verb meaning 'to get', 'to receive', or 'to obtain' when followed by a noun (e.g., Dia dapat surat - He received a letter).
  • Formal Passive: In formal writing, dapat is often paired with di- passive verbs to mean 'can be' (e.g., dapat dilihat - can be seen).
  • Regional Note: Avoid using the word 'bisa' for 'can' in Malaysia. While common in Indonesia, in Malaysia it usually means 'venomous'.
  • Negation: To say you 'cannot', place tidak (formal) or tak (informal) before dapat.

Examples (4)

  1. Saya dapat menyiapkan kerja itu.

    I was able to finish that work.

    Word by Word: I can finish work that.

    Here, 'dapat' shows the speaker had the ability or managed to complete the task.

  2. Adakah anda dapat mendengar suara saya?

    Are you able to hear my voice?

    Word by Word: Is-it you can hear voice my?

    This uses 'dapat' to ask about physical ability (hearing).

  3. Dia tidak dapat datang ke majlis itu.

    He was not able to come to the ceremony.

    Word by Word: He not can come to ceremony that.

    Negation is formed by placing 'tidak' before 'dapat'.

  4. Kami dapat melihat pelangi selepas hujan.

    We were able to see a rainbow after the rain.

    Word by Word: We can see rainbow after rain.

    This shows the attainment of an opportunity (seeing the rainbow).

Common Mistakes

  • Thinking 'boleh' is wrong for physical ability.

    Different MeaningDia boleh mengangkat kotak yang berat itu.
    Dia dapat mengangkat kotak yang berat itu.

    'Dia boleh mengangkat kotak yang berat itu' is correct. 'Dapat' (or 'mampu') is often chosen in formal writing to stress being able to do it, while 'boleh' also covers permission and possibility.

  • Using 'bisa' to mean 'can' in a Malaysian context.

    Saya bisa berenang.
    Saya dapat berenang.

    In Indonesian, 'bisa' means 'can', but in standard Malaysian Malay, 'bisa' means 'poisonous' or 'venomous' (like a snake). To express ability, always use dapat or boleh.

  • Confusing 'dapat' as a modal with 'dapat' as a main verb.

    Saya dapat untuk hadiah.
    Saya dapat hadiah.

    When dapat is followed by a noun, it acts as a main verb meaning 'to get' or 'to receive'. You do not need a preposition like 'untuk' between them.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

dapat + VerbLevel 1Ability or Possibility with Dapat

Learn This First

To use 'dapat' correctly, you need to understand basic Malay sentence structure and how auxiliary verbs are placed before the main verb to indicate ability or possibility.

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Words in This Pattern

dapat