untuk
For with Untuk
Untuk is a versatile word meaning 'for' or 'to'. It marks who something is for (recipient) or why something is being done (purpose).
How It Works
Untuk is a versatile word used to show who receives something or why an action is done. It has two main roles:
1. As a Preposition (Recipient):
When followed by a noun, it shows who the item is for.
Example: Hadiah ini untuk ibu. (This gift is for mother.)
2. As a Joining Word (Purpose):
When followed by a verb, it explains the goal. It is often translated as 'to' or 'in order to'.
Example: Saya belajar untuk berjaya. (I study to succeed.)
Key Distinctions:
- Untuk vs. Supaya: Use untuk when followed directly by a verb (e.g., untuk makan). Use supaya if you are starting a full clause with a new subject (e.g., supaya dia makan).
- No Time Duration: Never use untuk to say 'for two hours' or 'for a week'. For duration, always use selama.
- Untuk vs. Kepada: Use untuk for the intended beneficiary. Use kepada for the physical direction of an action (giving 'to' someone).
- Word Forms: Untuk is a root word. You may later see it in complex forms like peruntukan (allocation), but at Level 1, focus on its basic use as 'for'.
Examples (5)
- Buku ini adalah untuk adik saya.
This book is for my younger sibling.
Word by Word: Book this is for sibling younger my.
Here, 'untuk' marks the recipient (the younger sibling) of the book.
- Saya datang ke sini untuk berbincang dengan awak.
I came here to discuss with you.
Word by Word: I come to here for discuss with you.
'Untuk' acts as a conjunction here, linking the action (coming here) to the purpose (discussing).
- Van ini adalah untuk kegunaan pejabat.
This van is for office use.
Word by Word: Van this is for use office.
In this case, 'untuk' indicates the specific function or purpose of the object.
- Dia bekerja keras untuk membeli rumah.
He works hard to buy a house.
Word by Word: He work hard for buy house.
'Untuk' precedes the verb 'membeli' to show the goal of working hard.
- Ini adalah ruang untuk tetamu.
This is a space for guests.
Word by Word: This is space for guest.
'Untuk' marks the group (guests) that the space is intended for.
Common Mistakes
Using 'untuk' to express duration of time.
Saya tinggal di sini untuk dua hari.Saya tinggal di sini selama dua hari.In English, 'for' is used for time duration, but in Malay, you must use selama. 'Untuk' is only used for purpose or recipients, not for how long an action lasts.
Using 'demi untuk' together.
Kita berjuang demi untuk negara.Kita berjuang untuk negara.Using both 'demi' and 'untuk' is considered redundant in formal Malay. Use one or the other.
Using 'untuk' instead of 'kepada' for directed actions.
Saya memberi surat itu untuk Ali.Saya memberi surat itu kepada Ali.If you are handing something to someone, use kepada. Use 'untuk' if the item is intended for them as a beneficiary.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'untuk' for purpose or recipient, you need to understand basic Malay sentence structure and how nouns can be linked to descriptors or beneficiaries without using a copula (like 'is').
Related Patterns
- adalahFormal Copula Before Adjectives and Prepositional Phrases
'Adalah' is the formal copula often used before prepositional phrases starting with 'untuk'.
Level 1 - keDirection with Ke
While 'untuk' marks purpose, 'ke' and 'kepada' mark physical direction toward a place or person.
Level 1 - agar / supayaPurpose with Agar or Supaya
These are also used to express purpose ('so that'), but they usually introduce a full clause with a subject.
Level 2 - untuk + VerbPurpose Infinitive with Untuk
This is the specific pattern for using 'untuk' with verbs to show intention.
Level 3 - demiFor the Sake of with Demi
'Demi' is a more emphatic way to say 'for the sake of', often confused with 'untuk'.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice untuk in Bubblegum
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