lebih tepat lagi
More Precisely
Use lebih tepat lagi (more precisely) when you want to self-correct or narrow down a broad statement to something more specific and accurate.
How It Works
The phrase lebih tepat lagi is composed of three parts: lebih (more), tepat (precise/accurate), and lagi (yet/further/even). Together, they function as a discourse marker for refinement.
Key characteristics include:
- Refinement: It doesn't just add information; it corrects the 'resolution' of the previous statement.
- Placement: It usually appears after a comma or as part of a phrase starting with atau (or).
- Register: While common in academic and journalistic writing, it is also used in formal speeches and intellectual discussions.
- Function of 'Lagi': In this context, lagi acts as an intensifier (meaning 'even' or 'further') rather than its common temporal meaning of 'again'.
Examples (4)
- Dia seorang pengurus, atau lebih tepat lagi, seorang penyelaras projek.
He is a manager, or more precisely, a project coordinator.
Word by Word: He one person manager, or more precise yet, one person coordinator project.
Here, the speaker refines the broad title 'manager' to the specific role of 'project coordinator'.
- Kita perlu bertindak segera, lebih tepat lagi, dalam tempoh 24 jam ini.
We need to act immediately—more precisely, within these 24 hours.
Word by Word: We need act immediately, more precise yet, in period 24 hour this.
The phrase narrows down the vague 'immediately' to a specific timeframe.
- Ilmu kolonial lebih tepat lagi tergolong sebagai wacana orientalisme.
Colonial knowledge is more accurately classified as orientalist discourse.
Word by Word: Knowledge colonial more precise yet classified as discourse orientalism.
In this academic context, the phrase is used to provide a technically superior classification.
- Dia bukan sekadar kawan, atau lebih tepat lagi, dia adalah mentor saya.
He is not just a friend, or more precisely, he is my mentor.
Word by Word: He not just friend, or more precise yet, he is mentor my.
The speaker uses the phrase to correct the relationship status to a more accurate one.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 'lebih tepat lagi' with 'lebih-lebih lagi'.
Saya suka buah-buahan, lebih tepat lagi durian.Saya suka buah-buahan, lebih-lebih lagi durian.Lebih-lebih lagi means 'especially' or 'furthermore' (adding emphasis), whereas lebih tepat lagi is for correcting or refining a definition.
Using it without a preceding 'imprecise' anchor.
Lebih tepat lagi, kita akan bertolak esok.Kita akan bertolak pada waktu pagi, lebih tepat lagi pada pukul lapan.The phrase requires a previous statement to refine. You cannot start a new topic with 'more precisely' if nothing has been stated yet.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'lebih tepat lagi' (more precisely), a learner needs to be familiar with the comparative marker 'lebih' and the adverb 'lagi' which adds emphasis. It also helps to understand the general function of clarifying or rephrasing statements in Malay.
Related Patterns
- atauAlternatives with Atau
Often used together in the construction 'atau lebih tepat lagi' to offer a refined alternative.
Level 1 - malahUnexpected Addition or Reversal
Both can introduce a correction, but 'malah' implies an unexpected addition or reversal, while 'lebih tepat lagi' focuses strictly on accuracy.
Level 4 - lebih ... daripadaComparative with Lebih
Shares the comparative 'lebih' (more) to indicate that the second term is 'more' accurate than the first.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
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