maka

Formal Result with Maka

Level 2

In modern Malay, maka is a formal way to say 'therefore' or 'so,' linking a cause to its result. In classical literature, it acts as a narrative marker to move the story forward.

How It Works

Maka serves two primary roles depending on the context:

1. Modern Resultative: It functions like the English 'therefore' or 'thus.' It is used to connect two clauses where the second is a logical consequence of the first. While jadi is used for 'so' in casual speech, maka is strictly for formal registers.

2. Conditional 'Then': In formal 'If... then...' structures using jika or sekiranya, maka is often used to introduce the result clause (e.g., 'If X happens, then Y will occur').

3. Classical Narrative Marker: In older Malay literature (Hikayat), maka appears at the start of sentences to signal a new action or event. In this specific context, it doesn't always mean 'therefore'; it often simply means 'and then' or 'next.'

Note on Register: Avoid using maka in daily conversation. It sounds overly stiff and 'bookish' when speaking with friends or family.

Examples (4)

  1. Hujan turun dengan lebatnya, maka perlawanan itu ditangguhkan.

    The rain fell heavily, therefore the match was postponed.

    Word by Word: Rain fall with heavy-its, therefore match that postponed.

    This shows the modern use of 'maka' as a resultative conjunction in a formal sentence.

  2. Jika pihak tuan bersetuju, maka perjanjian ini akan ditandatangani.

    If you agree, then this agreement will be signed.

    Word by Word: If side sir agree, then agreement this will be signed.

    In formal conditional sentences, 'maka' introduces the result of the 'if' (jika) clause.

  3. Maka tersenyumlah baginda mendengar berita itu.

    Then the King smiled upon hearing that news.

    Word by Word: Then smiled-ly the-King hear news that.

    This is a classical literary style where 'maka' acts as a sentence opener to move the narrative forward.

  4. Dia tidak hadir, maka dia tidak tahu tentang perubahan itu.

    He was not present, so he does not know about the change.

    Word by Word: He not present, therefore he not know about change that.

    A standard formal way to link a cause (absence) to a result (lack of knowledge).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'maka' in casual conversation.

    Saya lapar, maka saya nak makan.
    Saya lapar, jadi saya nak makan.

    'Maka' is too formal for talking about being hungry. Use 'jadi' for everyday 'so' or 'therefore'.

  • Redundant usage with other resultative words.

    Maka oleh itu, kita harus bertindak.
    Oleh itu, kita harus bertindak.

    Do not combine 'maka' with 'oleh itu' (therefore). Choose one to avoid redundancy.

How It Connects

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makaLevel 2Formal Result with Maka

Learn This First

To understand 'maka', you should first be comfortable with basic sentence structure and the informal way of expressing results using 'jadi'. Since 'maka' is often used in formal conditional statements, familiarity with 'jika' (if) is also highly beneficial.

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maka