makin ... makin ...

Conversational Linked Change

Level 6

Use makin ... makin ... in casual speech to show how one change causes another (e.g., 'The more I eat, the sleepier I get').

How It Works

The pattern makin ... makin ... is a staple of colloquial Malay (Bahasa Melayu Percakapan). It is used to describe a proportional relationship between two qualities or actions.

1. Structure and Usage
The pattern typically precedes adjectives or verbs that imply a state or change. Unlike the formal semakin, makin is preferred in daily conversation for its brevity and rhythmic flow.

  • Makin lama, makin mahal (The longer time passes, the more expensive it gets).
  • Makin difikirkan, makin pening (The more it is thought about, the more of a headache it gets).

While often used in pairs, makin can also be used as a single intensifier to show a simple progression, such as Cuaca makin panas (The weather is getting hotter).

2. Register and Nuance
While makin is standard in speech, social media, and casual dialogue, it is considered a 'colloquialism error' in formal Malaysian Malay writing (karangan). In formal contexts, you must use the full form semakin. In highly literary or poetic contexts, you may also encounter the variant kian ... kian ....

3. Comparison with 'Lebih'
Learners often confuse makin with lebih. Use lebih for simple comparisons between two distinct things. Use makin when describing a progression over time or a linked increase in intensity.

Examples (5)

  1. Makin lama, makin mahal.

    The longer it takes, the more expensive it gets.

    Word by Word: More long, more expensive.

    A very common idiomatic expression where 'lama' (long/time) implies the passage of time.

  2. Makin banyak awak belajar, makin mudah awak faham.

    The more you study, the easier it is for you to understand.

    Word by Word: More much you study, more easy you understand.

    Shows a proportional relationship between the effort (studying) and the result (understanding).

  3. Makin hari makin rindu.

    As the days go by, the more I miss you.

    Word by Word: More day more miss.

    A romantic and common phrase used in songs to show increasing emotion over time.

  4. Makin kita makan, makin kita kenyang.

    The more we eat, the fuller we get.

    Word by Word: More we eat, more we full.

    Uses 'kita' (inclusive we) to describe a general physical progression.

  5. Makin dia bercakap, makin saya tak faham.

    The more he speaks, the more I don't understand.

    Word by Word: More he speak, more I not understand.

    Demonstrates how the pattern can be used with a negative result (tak faham).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'makin' in formal writing.

    Makin hari, ekonomi negara semakin merosot.
    Semakin hari, ekonomi negara semakin merosot.

    'Makin' is the more informal form. In formal essays and reports, 'semakin' is the usual choice.

  • Using 'makin' for a simple comparison between two objects.

    Saya makin tinggi daripada awak.
    Saya lebih tinggi daripada awak.

    Makin implies a progression or change over time. For a static comparison between two people, use 'lebih'.

  • Adding 'sangat' (very) after 'makin'.

    Makin sangat besar.
    Makin besar.

    Makin already functions as an intensifier indicating increasing degree; adding 'sangat' is redundant and unnatural.

How It Connects

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

makin ... makin ...Level 6Conversational Linked Change

Learn This First

To understand 'makin ... makin ...', you first need to be familiar with the formal version 'semakin ... semakin ...' and the base word 'semakin'. Since this pattern usually links two changing states (often adjectives), understanding how adjectives function as predicates without a copula is also necessary.

Words in This Pattern

makin