termasuk

Including with Termasuk

Level 3

Termasuk is a high-frequency word used to indicate that something is a member of a larger set. It translates to 'including' or 'is included in' depending on the sentence structure.

How It Works

In Malay, termasuk is a versatile word that often functions like the English preposition 'including'. It is used in three primary ways:

  • As a linking word: To add specific members to a general category (e.g., 'Buah-buahan, termasuk epal'). While similar to seperti (like/such as), termasuk specifically emphasizes literal membership in the set, whereas seperti focuses on similarity.
  • As a main verb (State): To indicate membership in a group. When used this way, it often requires the preposition di or dalam (in), such as 'Dia termasuk dalam senarai itu' (He is included in that list).
  • As an accidental verb: Retaining the core ter- meaning, it can mean 'to enter accidentally' (e.g., 'Kucing itu termasuk ke dalam longkang').

In formal writing or when introducing a list at the start of a clause, you will often see the form termasuklah. The -lah suffix provides emphasis and a smoother rhythmic transition into the list of items. Grammatically, termasuk is 'passive-like' because the subject is the one being included. If you want to use an active verb to mean 'to include' or 'to cover', you would use meliputi or merangkumi instead.

Examples (4)

  1. Semua pelajar, termasuk Ahmad, mesti hadir ke perhimpunan.

    All students, including Ahmad, must attend the assembly.

    Word by Word: All students, including Ahmad, must attend to assembly.

    Here, 'termasuk' acts as a linking word to specify that Ahmad is part of the 'all students' group.

  2. Harga bilik ini termasuk sarapan pagi.

    The price of this room includes breakfast.

    Word by Word: Price room this include breakfast morning.

    In this sentence, 'termasuk' functions as the main verb of the sentence.

  3. Beliau termasuk dalam senarai orang terkaya di Malaysia.

    He is included in the list of the richest people in Malaysia.

    Word by Word: He (respectful) included in list person richest in Malaysia.

    When referring to being inside a list or category, 'termasuk' is often followed by the preposition dalam (in).

  4. Kita perlu membeli banyak barang, termasuklah beras dan minyak.

    We need to buy many things, including rice and oil.

    Word by Word: We (inclusive) need buy many things, including-emphasis rice and oil.

    The suffix -lah is often added to 'termasuk' in lists for emphasis or to smooth the flow of the sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'dengan' (with) after 'termasuk'.

    Harga itu termasuk dengan cukai.
    Harga itu termasuk cukai.

    English speakers often translate 'included with' literally. In Malay, 'termasuk' is a verb that takes the noun directly.

  • Mixing up 'termasuk' (included) with 'mengandungi' (contains).

    Different MeaningKotak ini termasuk buku.
    Kotak ini mengandungi buku.

    'Kotak ini termasuk buku' is a good sentence meaning 'This box includes a book (in the package)'. Use 'mengandungi' to say a box contains something physically.

How It Connects

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

termasukLevel 3Including with Termasuk

Learn This First

To understand 'termasuk', you should be familiar with the 'ter-' prefix which indicates a state or result. Since 'termasuk' is used to add items to a category or list, basic coordination and quantifiers are also necessary to form complete sentences.

Words in This Pattern

termasuktermasuk