menyuruh + Verb

Directive Causative

Level 4

The pattern menyuruh + [person] + [verb] is the standard way to express 'telling someone to do something' in Malay. It is a directive causative where one person gives an instruction to another.

How It Works

The word menyuruh is formed by adding the meny- prefix to the root suruh (the 's' is dropped). It is used to indicate a direct instruction.

1. Sentence Structure
The typical structure is: [Subject] + menyuruh + [Object/Person] + [Action]. Note that the person being instructed must be explicitly mentioned.
Example: Cikgu menyuruh kami duduk. (The teacher told us to sit.)

2. Passive Form
In formal writing or to focus on the person receiving the order, use the di- passive form disuruh.
Structure: [Person] + disuruh + [Action] + (oleh Subject).
Example: Kami disuruh duduk oleh cikgu. (We were told to sit by the teacher.)

3. Register and Usage

  • Formal: Always use the full form menyuruh in writing and formal speech.
  • Colloquial: In informal conversation, the prefix is usually dropped, leaving just suruh (e.g., 'Mak suruh beli garam').
  • Nuance: It is more forceful than tolong (please) or meminta (request).

4. The Second Verb
The verb following the person being ordered can be a root verb or a meN- prefix verb. While some speakers use untuk to link the person to the action, it is more natural and standard to omit it.

Examples (4)

  1. Guru menyuruh murid-muridnya berbaris di luar kelas.

    The teacher told his students to line up outside the classroom.

    Word by Word: Teacher [active]-order student-student-[his] [active]-line-up at outside classroom.

    Here, 'menyuruh' connects the teacher (subject) to the students (object) and the action (lining up).

  2. Ibu menyuruh abang mencuci kereta pada pagi ini.

    Mother told my older brother to wash the car this morning.

    Word by Word: Mother [active]-order older-brother [active]-wash car on morning this.

    In standard Malay, the second verb 'mencuci' retains its prefix, though in casual speech it might be dropped.

  3. Ketua jabatan menyuruh keraninya menyiapkan laporan itu segera.

    The department head told his clerk to finish the report immediately.

    Word by Word: Head department [active]-order clerk-[his] [active]-finish-[causative] report that immediately.

    This demonstrates a professional context where an instruction is given to a subordinate.

  4. Dia menyuruh saya tunggu di sini.

    He told me to wait here.

    Word by Word: He [active]-order me wait at here.

    A simple, common usage where the second verb 'tunggu' is used in its root form.

Common Mistakes

  • Including 'untuk' (to) before the second verb.

    Ibu menyuruh saya untuk pergi.
    Ibu menyuruh saya pergi.

    While not strictly forbidden, including 'untuk' is often a redundant influence from English 'told me TO go'. In standard Malay, it is more natural and direct to omit 'untuk' entirely.

  • Omitting the direct object (the person being told).

    Cikgu menyuruh duduk.
    Cikgu menyuruh kami duduk.

    The verb 'menyuruh' is transitive and requires a specific person or group as a direct object. You must specify who is being instructed to act.

  • Using 'menyuruhkan' for simple directives.

    Saya menyuruhkan dia makan.
    Saya menyuruh dia makan.

    Adding the -kan suffix is unnecessary for everyday orders and can sound archaic or change the meaning to 'dispatching' someone. Stick to 'menyuruh' for standard directives.

How It Connects

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

menyuruh + VerbLevel 4Directive Causative

Learn This First

To understand 'menyuruh + verb', learners first need to recognize that 'menyuruh' is the active form of the root 'suruh' (to order/command), which involves the 's' to 'ny' nasalization rule. Syntactically, the pattern functions as a directive causative where the main verb 'menyuruh' is followed by the person being commanded and then the action they are expected to perform.

Words in This Pattern

menyuruh