selepas + Clause
After with Selepas
Selepas is a temporal conjunction meaning 'after'. It links a subordinate event to a main event, showing that the first action was completed before the second one started.
How It Works
The word selepas is the standard way to express 'after' in Malay. It is used to establish a chronological sequence. Grammatically, it is strictly a conjunction (Kata Hubung Pancangan Keterangan Waktu). While it connects clauses, it is perfectly grammatical and common to use selepas directly before a noun (e.g., selepas waktu pejabat), as it connects to an implied clause.
1. Sentence Structure
You can use selepas in two main positions:
- At the start: [Selepas + Clause/Noun], [Clause B].
Selepas makan, saya tidur. (After eating, I sleep.) - In the middle: [Clause B] + selepas + [Clause/Noun].
Saya tidur selepas makan. (I sleep after eating.)
2. Formal Synonyms
While selepas is standard, you will often see setelah or sesudah as formal synonyms.
3. Register and 'Lepas'
The word selepas is a derived word formed by adding the prefix se- to the root word lepas. Because of this, in casual conversation, native speakers almost always shorten it to lepas. Note that lepas is also the standard word for 'last' in time expressions, such as minggu lepas (last week), which is perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.
4. Transitioning Between Sentences
To say 'After that' or 'Afterwards' at the beginning of a new sentence, you must use selepas itu. Using selepas alone in this position is grammatically incomplete.
5. No Tense Changes
Malay follows a no grammatical tense inflection rule. The word selepas itself provides the temporal context that the action is finished, so you do not need to change the verb form.
Examples (6)
- Selepas mereka bersara, mereka menetap di kampung.
After they retire, they settle in the village.
Word by Word: After they retire, they settle at village.
This shows a sequence where the retirement happens first, followed by the move to the village.
- Saya akan menelefon awak selepas saya sampai.
I will call you after I arrive.
Word by Word: I will call you after I arrive.
Here, 'selepas' is used in the middle of the sentence to connect the future action with the condition of arrival.
- Selepas makan, kami membasuh pinggan.
After eating, we washed the dishes.
Word by Word: After eat, we wash plate.
This demonstrates 'selepas' followed directly by a verb, which is a common way to simplify the sentence when the subject is the same.
- Selepas mesyuarat, sila berjumpa dengan saya.
After the meeting, please meet with me.
Word by Word: After meeting, please meet with me.
In this example, 'selepas' is followed directly by a noun phrase, connecting to an implied action.
- Setelah dia log masuk, dia menukar kata laluan.
After he logged in, he changed the password.
Word by Word: After he log in, he change word path.
This uses 'setelah', a more formal synonym for 'selepas' often found in literature or official documents.
- Kita boleh pergi ke pawagam selepas kerja tamat.
We can go to the cinema after work ends.
Word by Word: We can go to cinema after work end.
A common way to use 'selepas' to coordinate plans based on a schedule.
Common Mistakes
Using 'selepas' alone to mean 'afterwards' or 'after that'.
Saya makan. Selepas, saya tidur.Saya makan. Selepas itu, saya tidur.When starting a new sentence to mean 'after that', you must use 'selepas itu'. Using 'selepas' alone is only for connecting two parts of the same sentence or introducing a noun/clause.
Using the colloquial 'lepas' to mean 'after' in formal writing.
Lepas mesyuarat itu tamat, kami pulang.Selepas mesyuarat itu tamat, kami pulang.Using 'lepas' to mean 'after' is very common in speech, but 'selepas' is required for standard, formal Malay. However, note that the time expression 'minggu lepas' (last week) is completely standard and perfectly acceptable in formal writing.
Thinking 'sudah' is required to show the past.
Selepas dia sudah makan, dia pergi.Selepas dia makan, dia pergi.While adding 'sudah' (already) is acceptable for emphasis, it is often redundant because 'selepas' already implies the action is completed. Malay relies on time adverbs rather than tense markers.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'selepas' with a clause, you need to be able to construct a standard Malay sentence (SVO) and understand that Malay verbs do not change form to indicate the sequence of events. 'Selepas' acts as a temporal link between two complete thoughts.
Related Patterns
- sejakSince with Sejak
Used for events that started at a point in time and continue, whereas 'selepas' just marks a sequence.
Level 3 - ketikaWhen Clause with Ketika
Used for simultaneous actions ('when/while'), whereas 'selepas' is for sequential actions.
Level 2 - sudah + VerbCompleted or Attained State with Sudah
Often used in the main clause to emphasize that an action was completed following the 'selepas' event.
Level 1 - laluSequence with Lalu
Another way to show sequence ('...and then...'), but 'lalu' is a coordinating conjunction rather than a subordinating one.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice selepas + Clause in Bubblegum
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