di
Location with Di
Use di followed by a space and a noun to describe where something is located. It is strictly for static positions, not movement.
How It Works
The preposition di is a fundamental building block in Malay. Here are the key rules for using it correctly:
- Static Location: Use di only when the subject is already at a location. If you are moving toward a place, you must use ke instead.
- Spelling Rule: In standard Malaysian Malay, di must always be written with a space before the noun (e.g., di rumah). If it is attached directly to a word, it is likely the passive prefix di-, which is used with verbs.
- Physical Places Only: di is reserved for physical locations. For time or people, use pada.
- Specificity: Because di is general, Malay speakers use 'relational nouns' to clarify position:
- di dalam (in/inside)
- di atas (on/above)
- di bawah (under/below)
In casual conversation, you will often hear people use kat instead of di, but di remains the standard for writing and formal speech.
Examples (5)
- Saya di rumah.
I am at home.
Word by Word: I at house.
A simple sentence showing 'di' used with a noun of place.
- Buku itu ada di atas meja.
The book is on the table.
Word by Word: Book that exist at top table.
Here, 'di' is combined with 'atas' (top) to specify the location 'on'.
- Ayah bekerja di hospital.
Father works at the hospital.
Word by Word: Father work at hospital.
Shows 'di' indicating a place of work.
- Kucing itu tidur di bawah kerusi.
The cat is sleeping under the chair.
Word by Word: Cat that sleep at bottom chair.
Using 'di' with 'bawah' (bottom/under) to show specific position.
- Kami tinggal di Malaysia.
We live in Malaysia.
Word by Word: We live in Malaysia.
Using 'di' for a country, equivalent to 'in' in English.
Common Mistakes
Writing 'di' without a space before the noun.
Saya makan dirumah.Saya makan di rumah.As a preposition of location, 'di' must always be separated from the noun by a space.
Using 'di' for time instead of 'pada'.
Saya datang di pukul lapan.Saya datang pada pukul lapan.'di' is only for physical locations. For time, 'pada' is the correct preposition.
Using 'di' for movement toward a place.
Saya pergi di sekolah.Saya pergi ke sekolah.'di' is for being at a place (static). For moving toward a place, use 'ke'.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- keDirection with Ke
While 'di' is for static location, 'ke' is used for movement toward a location.
Level 1 - dariSource with Dari
Used to indicate the starting point or source, completing the set of basic locative prepositions (at, to, from).
Level 1 - di- / diPassive Prefix Versus Location Preposition
Explains the crucial orthographic difference between the location preposition 'di' and the passive verb prefix 'di-'.
Level 2 - ada + di + PlaceExisting at a Place
Often used together to state that something 'exists' or 'is present' at a specific location.
Level 1 - di manaWhere with Di Mana
The question form used to ask 'where' something is located.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
- iaWritten Third-person IaLevel 1
- -an (kumpulan/tempat)Collections and Places with -anLevel 2
- di-Basic Passive with Di-Level 2
- antara ... dan ...Range or Relation with AntaraLevel 3
- tempat yang ...Relative Clauses After Place NounsLevel 3
- dalam halWith Respect toLevel 5
- dalam konteksIn the Context ofLevel 5
- pada asasnyaBasically or FundamentallyLevel 5
And 1 more in the full list.
Words in This Pattern
Practice di in Bubblegum
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