demi

For the Sake of with Demi

Level 4

Demi is a formal preposition meaning 'for the sake of', 'by' (in oaths), 'one by one' (in sequences), or 'as soon as' (temporal). It carries more weight and solemnity than the common word untuk.

How It Works

The word demi serves four primary functions in Malay, acting as either a preposition or a subordinating conjunction:

1. Purpose and Sacrifice (Preposition): It marks a goal that is highly valued or requires collective effort, often translated as 'for the sake of'. Unlike untuk, which is neutral, demi implies a moral or emotional weight.
Example: Demi negara (For the sake of the country).

2. Oaths and Vows (Preposition): In formal or religious contexts, it is used to invoke a witness or a higher power. This is equivalent to 'By...' in English oaths.
Example: Demi Allah (By Allah).

3. Sequence and Distribution (Preposition): It describes items or people following one another in a specific order.
Example: Satu demi satu (One by one).

4. Immediate Timing (Conjunction): In formal literature, demi acts as a subordinating conjunction meaning 'as soon as' or 'at the moment that'. In this role, it links a clause rather than just a noun phrase. It is often followed by a passive verb with the -nya suffix.
Example: Demi dilihatnya... (As soon as he saw...).

Usage Note: Demi is primarily used in formal writing, speeches, and literature. In casual conversation, speakers usually prefer untuk for purpose or sebaik sahaja for timing unless they are being intentionally dramatic or making a serious promise.

Examples (5)

  1. Kita harus bekerja keras demi masa depan anak-anak kita.

    We must work hard for the sake of our children's future.

    Word by Word: We must work hard for-the-sake-of time front children-children our.

    Here, 'demi' indicates a valued goal (the children's future) that justifies the hard work.

  2. Demi Tuhan, saya akan bercakap benar.

    By God, I will speak the truth.

    Word by Word: By God, I will speak true.

    In this context, 'demi' is used to make a solemn oath.

  3. Pelajar-pelajar itu keluar dari kelas seorang demi seorang.

    The students left the classroom one by one.

    Word by Word: Student-student that exit from class one-person by one-person.

    This demonstrates the distributive use of 'demi' to show sequence.

  4. Demi didengarnya berita itu, dia pun menangis.

    As soon as he heard the news, he cried.

    Word by Word: As-soon-as was-heard-by-him news that, he also cry.

    In this formal temporal usage, 'demi' functions like 'sebaik sahaja' (as soon as).

  5. Demi menjaga keamanan, polis berkawal di sana.

    For the sake of maintaining peace, the police are on guard there.

    Word by Word: For-the-sake-of maintain peace, police guard at there.

    'Demi' can precede a verb phrase to show a formal purpose.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'demi untuk' together (Redundancy).

    Saya belajar rajin demi untuk ibu bapa saya.
    Saya belajar rajin demi ibu bapa saya.

    Combining 'demi' and 'untuk' is considered redundant (kelewahan) in standard Malay. Use one or the other.

  • Using 'demi' for simple recipients.

    Buku ini adalah demi kamu.
    Buku ini adalah untuk kamu.

    'Demi' is not used for simple gift-giving or recipients. Use 'untuk' for 'this is for you'.

How It Connects

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

demiLevel 4For the Sake of with Demi

Learn This First

To understand 'demi', learners should already be familiar with basic Malay prepositions of purpose and how to link nouns together to form the abstract concepts (like 'the sake of' or 'the interest of') that 'demi' typically modifies.

Words in This Pattern

demi