mari / jom

Inclusive Invitations

Level 1

Both mari and jom mean "let's," but mari is polite/neutral while jom is casual/social.

How It Works

In Malay, inclusive invitations (where the speaker and listener do something together) are primarily handled by two words:

1. Mari: This is a versatile, neutral-to-formal word. It is used in textbooks, formal speeches, and when showing respect to elders. It can also mean "come here" (Mari sini). Adding the particle -lah (Marilah) makes the invitation sound warmer and more welcoming.

2. Jom: This is highly colloquial and energetic. It originated from northern dialects but is now the standard way to say "let's" in casual Malaysian Malay. Unlike mari, it cannot be used as a directional command to mean "come here." It is often used with kita (we) or simply followed by a verb.

3. Ayuh: While less common in daily speech, you may see ayuh in literature or as a rallying cry. It is much more formal and dramatic than mari or jom.

Examples (5)

  1. Mari kita mulakan mesyuarat ini.

    Let us begin this meeting.

    Word by Word: Come we start meeting this.

    A formal use of 'mari' suitable for a professional environment.

  2. Jom makan!

    Let's eat!

    Word by Word: Let's eat!

    A very common, casual invitation used among friends or family.

  3. Marilah masuk, jangan malu-malu.

    Please come in, don't be shy.

    Word by Word: Come-lah enter, don't shy-shy.

    Using 'marilah' makes the invitation sound polite and welcoming.

  4. Jom kita pergi tengok wayang.

    Let's go watch a movie.

    Word by Word: Let's we go see movie.

    A casual suggestion using 'jom' followed by the inclusive 'kita'.

  5. Mari sini sebentar.

    Come here for a moment.

    Word by Word: Come here a-moment.

    Demonstrates 'mari' used as a directional command, which 'jom' cannot do.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'jom' in highly formal situations or with superiors.

    Jom mulakan pembentangan, Tuan.
    Mari kita mulakan pembentangan, Tuan.

    'Jom' is too casual for addressing a superior (Tuan). 'Mari' is the appropriate respectful choice.

  • Using 'jom' to mean 'come here'.

    Jom sini!
    Mari sini!

    'Jom' is only for 'let's (do something)'. To tell someone to come to your location, you must use 'mari'.

How It Connects

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

mari / jomLevel 1Inclusive Invitations

Learn This First

To use 'mari' and 'jom' effectively, learners need to understand the concept of inclusive social actions (including the listener), how verbs are used in simple imperative structures, and how these particles differ from other polite invitation markers like 'sila'.

Words in This Pattern

jom