Adjective + sekali
Post-adjective Intensifier Sekali
The word sekali is placed immediately after an adjective to mean 'very' or 'extremely'. Unlike other intensifiers, its position is fixed.
How It Works
The pattern adjective + sekali is a staple of both formal and informal Malay. Here are the key rules for its usage:
- Fixed Position: Unlike sangat, which can go before or after an adjective, sekali must always follow the adjective. Writing sekali cantik is grammatically incorrect.
- Extreme Emphasis: A unique feature of Malay is that sekali can be combined with front intensifiers like amat or sungguh to create an even stronger emphasis (e.g., amat cantik sekali - extremely beautiful). However, it is not typically paired with paling.
- Superlative Function: When paired with yang, it creates a superlative meaning. For example, yang besar sekali means 'the biggest' or 'the very large one'.
- No Morphological Changes: It is a standalone word. It does not require the adjective to have any specific prefixes or suffixes.
- Register: It is highly versatile and used in all levels of speech, from academic writing to casual conversation.
- Distinction from 'Once': Do not confuse this with the numerical sekali meaning 'once' (from se- + kali). Context usually makes the difference clear: Saya makan sekali (I eat once) vs Makanan ini enak sekali (This food is very delicious).
Examples (4)
- Pemandangan di puncak gunung itu indah sekali.
The view at the top of that mountain is very beautiful.
Word by Word: View at top mountain that beautiful very.
Here, 'sekali' intensifies the adjective 'indah' (beautiful).
- Kereta api itu bergerak laju sekali.
That train moves very fast.
Word by Word: Train that move fast very.
In this case, 'sekali' intensifies the adverbial use of the adjective 'laju' (fast).
- Dia merupakan pelajar yang bijak sekali di dalam kelas ini.
He is the most intelligent student in this class.
Word by Word: He is student who intelligent very in inside class this.
When used with 'yang', 'sekali' often takes on a superlative meaning ('the most').
- Harga barang di kedai itu mahal sekali.
The price of items in that shop is extremely expensive.
Word by Word: Price item in shop that expensive very.
A common everyday usage to emphasize a high degree of a quality.
Common Mistakes
Placing 'sekali' before the adjective.
Bilik ini sekali luas.Bilik ini luas sekali.'Sekali' is a post-adjective intensifier and must always follow the adjective it modifies.
Combining 'paling' with 'sekali'.
Gunung itu paling tinggi sekali.Gunung itu paling tinggi.Using paling and 'sekali' together is considered redundant (lewah) because both already indicate the highest degree. You should use one or the other.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'adjective + sekali', a learner needs to be familiar with basic adjective usage in Malay and how degree markers (intensifiers) function to modify the strength of a quality.
Related Patterns
- terlalu + AdjectiveExcessive Degree with Terlalu
Used to express an excessive degree ('too'), whereas 'sekali' expresses a high degree ('very').
Level 1 - paling + AdjectiveSuperlative with Paling
The standard way to form superlatives ('most'), which 'sekali' can also do when paired with 'yang'.
Level 2 - agak + AdjectiveModerate Degree with Agak
Used for a moderate degree ('quite' or 'rather'), contrasting with the high intensity of 'sekali'.
Level 1 - yang + AdjectiveSelecting by a Property
Often used together with 'sekali' to identify a specific object with a high-degree quality.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice Adjective + sekali in Bubblegum
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