lagi
Again or More with Lagi
Lagi is a versatile adverb used to mean 'again', 'more', or 'still'. It can also create comparative adjectives (even more).
How It Works
1. Repetition ('Again')
When following a verb, lagi indicates that an action is being repeated. In formal contexts, it is often paired with sekali (once) to mean 'once more' (sekali lagi).
2. Addition ('More' or 'Else')
To ask for more of something, lagi is placed after the quantity (e.g., satu lagi). It also means 'else' when following question words like apa (what else) or siapa (who else).
3. Time Duration ('In' or 'More')
When used with time expressions, it indicates time remaining or a future point, such as dua hari lagi (in two more days).
4. Continuation ('Still')
While masih is the primary word for 'still', lagi is frequently added for emphasis, forming the phrase masih lagi. In Malaysia, 'lagi' is not used alone to mean 'still'.
5. Informal Comparative ('Even more')
In colloquial speech, lagi can be placed before an adjective to mean 'even more'. This is an informal alternative to lebih.
6. Negation ('Anymore' / 'Yet')
In negative sentences:
7. Conjunction ('And also')
In formal or literary Malay, lagi can link two adjectives describing the same subject, functioning like dan but emphasizing that the subject possesses both qualities (e.g., bijak lagi berani - wise and also brave).
Examples (6)
- Boleh awak baca sekali lagi?
Can you read [it] once more?
Word by Word: Can you read once again?
The phrase 'sekali lagi' is the standard formal way to say 'once more' or 'again'.
- Saya mahu satu lagi kopi, tolong.
I want one more coffee, please.
Word by Word: I want one more coffee, please.
The phrase 'satu lagi' is the standard way to say 'one more' or 'another'.
- Rumah itu lagi besar daripada rumah ini.
That house is even bigger than this house.
Word by Word: House that even big than house this.
In colloquial speech, 'lagi' is often used before an adjective to mean 'even more', replacing the formal lebih.
- Apa lagi yang awak mahu?
What else do you want?
Word by Word: What else that you want?
When paired with question words like apa, 'lagi' translates to 'else'.
- Bas akan sampai sepuluh minit lagi.
The bus will arrive in ten more minutes.
Word by Word: Bus will arrive ten minute more.
When used with time durations, 'lagi' indicates 'more' time remaining or 'in' a certain amount of time.
- Dia tidak tinggal di sini lagi.
He does not live here anymore.
Word by Word: He not live at here anymore.
Using tidak with 'lagi' at the end of the phrase expresses 'no longer'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'lagi' alone to mean 'still' in a sentence.
Dia lagi makan.Dia masih lagi makan.In standard Malay, 'lagi' does not stand alone to mean 'still'. Use masih or the emphatic 'masih lagi'. Colloquial speech sometimes uses 'lagi' alone.
Using 'lagi satu' instead of 'satu lagi' in formal writing.
Saya mahu lagi satu.Saya mahu satu lagi.While 'lagi satu' is very common in casual conversation, 'satu lagi' is the grammatically standard word order for 'another one'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'lagi', you should be comfortable with basic Malay sentence structure and how adjectives function as predicates. Since 'lagi' can indicate an additional amount or a repeated action, knowing how to express basic comparisons and actions will help you distinguish its different meanings based on context.
Related Patterns
- masih + PredicateContinuing State with Masih
Masih is the primary word for 'still' and is often paired with lagi (masih lagi) for emphasis.
Level 2 - belumNot Yet with Belum
Lagi is frequently added to belum (belum lagi) to mean 'not yet'.
Level 1 - tidakNegating Verbs and Adjectives with Tidak
Tidak combined with lagi (tidak... lagi) creates the meaning 'no longer' or 'not anymore'.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice lagi in Bubblegum
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