untuk + Verb

Purpose Infinitive with Untuk

Level 3

Use untuk + verb to explain why an action is being done. It connects a main action to its goal.

How It Works

The pattern untuk + verb is the standard way to create a purpose clause in Malay.

1. Structural Usage
This construction is most natural when the subject of the main sentence is the same as the person performing the action in the purpose clause (e.g., 'I go to buy'). While 'untuk' can sometimes be followed by a noun and then a verb, it is generally used to introduce a verb phrase. To introduce a full clause with a different subject, supaya or agar is often preferred for clarity.

2. Formal vs. Informal
In formal Malaysian Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baku), transitive verbs following untuk must retain their active prefixes.

  • Formal: untuk membeli
  • Informal: untuk beli

While the informal version is common in daily speech, using the prefix is required for professional writing and speeches.

3. Sentence-Initial Usage
For emphasis, you can place the purpose clause at the beginning of the sentence: Untuk mengelakkan kesesakan, kita harus bertolak awal (To avoid congestion, we must leave early).

4. Prepositional Use
Beyond verbs, 'untuk' also functions as a basic preposition for nouns, meaning 'for': Hadiah ini untuk ibu (This gift is for mother).

5. Passive Purpose
You can also use untuk with passive verbs to show what something is intended for: Buku ini ditulis untuk dibaca (This book was written to be read).

6. Distinction from 'Demi'
While untuk is a general purpose marker, demi is more emphatic, meaning 'for the sake of'. Avoid combining them into 'demi untuk', as this is considered redundant (lewah).

Examples (4)

  1. Dia pergi ke perpustakaan untuk meminjam buku.

    He went to the library to borrow a book.

    Word by Word: He go to library for borrow book.

    A standard sentence where 'untuk' introduces the purpose of going to the library. Note the use of the 'mem-' prefix on 'pinjam'.

  2. Kita mesti bersatu padu untuk menjamin keamanan negara.

    We must unite to guarantee the country's peace.

    Word by Word: We must unite for guarantee peace country.

    In formal contexts, 'untuk' is used to link a national or social goal to a required action.

  3. Surat itu ditulis untuk dihantar kepada ibunya.

    The letter was written to be sent to his mother.

    Word by Word: Letter that written for be-sent to mother-his.

    This shows 'untuk' used with a passive verb (dihantar) to express the intended destination or use of an object.

  4. Saya menggunakan kamus untuk mencari makna perkataan ini.

    I am using a dictionary to look up the meaning of this word.

    Word by Word: I use dictionary for search meaning word this.

    The verb 'mencari' retains its prefix after 'untuk' in this standard sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Dropping the meN- prefix in formal writing.

    Saya datang untuk beli roti.
    Saya datang untuk membeli roti.

    While 'untuk beli' is fine in casual conversation, formal Malay requires the full prefix meN- for transitive verbs.

  • Thinking 'untuk' cannot introduce a clause with its own subject.

    Different MeaningSaya beri buku ini untuk awak baca.
    Saya beri buku ini supaya awak baca.

    Both are correct. 'Untuk awak baca' is natural. Supaya or agar adds the sense of 'so that' and sounds a little more formal.

  • Redundancy by using 'demi untuk'.

    Kita berjuang demi untuk negara.
    Kita berjuang untuk negara.

    Using both demi and 'untuk' together is considered 'lewah' (redundant) in standard grammar. Choose one or the other.

How It Connects

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untuk + VerbLevel 3Purpose Infinitive with Untuk

Learn This First

To use 'untuk' to express purpose (similar to 'in order to' in English), you need to be familiar with the basic prepositional use of 'untuk' and how Malay verbs are structured within a standard sentence.

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