dilarang (untuk) + Verb

Formal Prohibition Patterns

Level 6

Malay uses dilarang (it is prohibited) for formal rules. In public signs, it is followed directly by a verb. In legal or complex documents, untuk is added to define the scope of the prohibition more precisely.

How It Works

Prohibition in Malay exists on a spectrum of formality and precision:

1. Dilarang + Verb (Public Signage):
This is the most common form seen on signs and notices. It functions as an impersonal passive statement. The verb following it often retains its meN- prefix in writing, though it may be dropped in very short signs (e.g., Dilarang Masuk).

2. Dilarang untuk + Verb (Legal/Formal):
The inclusion of untuk (to/for) creates a complement clause. While some grammarians consider this redundant in simple sentences, it is standard in legal drafting (Acts of Parliament, contracts). It helps separate the subject of the prohibition from the specific action, especially in long, complex sentences.

3. Dilarang daripada (Exclusion):
When the prohibition involves being barred or prevented from a state or place, daripada is used instead of untuk.

Key Distinctions:

  • Jangan: A direct imperative used in speech (jangan).
  • Tidak dibenarkan: A softer, administrative way to say 'not allowed'.
  • Dilarang: A strict, rule-based 'prohibited'.

Examples (5)

  1. Dilarang merokok di kawasan hospital.

    Smoking is prohibited in the hospital area.

    Word by Word: Prohibited smoke at area hospital.

    A standard public notice using the concise 'dilarang + verb' pattern.

  2. Pihak syarikat dilarang untuk mendedahkan maklumat peribadi pelanggan.

    The company is prohibited from disclosing customers' personal information.

    Word by Word: Side company prohibited for disclose information personal customer.

    A formal/legal sentence using 'untuk' to specify the forbidden action of the company.

  3. Pelawat dilarang daripada memasuki bilik bedah tanpa izin.

    Visitors are barred from entering the operating room without permission.

    Word by Word: Visitor prohibited from enter room surgery without permission.

    Uses 'daripada' to indicate exclusion or being barred from a specific location.

  4. Dilarang membuang sampah di sini.

    Littering is prohibited here.

    Word by Word: Prohibited throw trash at here.

    A common sign using the 'meN-' prefixed verb for formal public instruction.

  5. Mana-mana individu dilarang untuk memiliki senjata api tanpa lesen.

    Any individual is prohibited from possessing firearms without a license.

    Word by Word: Any individual prohibited for possess weapon fire without license.

    Typical legal phrasing found in Malaysian statutes using 'dilarang untuk'.

Common Mistakes

  • Writing 'di' and 'larang' as two separate words.

    Di larang masuk.
    Dilarang masuk.

    In this context, 'di-' is a passive prefix, not a preposition of place. Prefixes must be attached to the root word without a space.

  • Using 'dilarang untuk' on simple public signs.

    Dilarang untuk merokok.
    Dilarang merokok.

    While not grammatically 'wrong', adding 'untuk' to a short sign is clunky and non-idiomatic. The bare verb is preferred for brevity in public notices.

How It Connects

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

dilarang (untuk) + VerbLevel 6Formal Prohibition Patterns

Learn This First

To understand 'dilarang untuk' and 'dilarang + verb', learners must first be familiar with the passive prefix 'di-', as 'dilarang' is a passive verb meaning 'is forbidden'. They also need to understand the preposition 'untuk' which acts as an infinitive-like marker in this formal context, and have a baseline understanding of how prohibitions are formed in Malay using 'jangan'.

Words in This Pattern

dilarang