Question words in embedded clauses
In Malay, question words (apa, siapa, mana, etc.) can be embedded within a declarative sentence to function as indirect questions. These clauses never take the suffix -kah and can either remain in their natural position (in-situ) or be fronted within the clause depending on the register.
How It Works
Embedded questions occur when a question word is placed inside a larger sentence, typically following verbs of knowing, asking, or telling.
1. Syntactic Rules:
- No -kah: The interrogative particle -kah is strictly for direct questions and must be dropped in embedded clauses.
- Word Order: In colloquial Malay, the question word often stays in its original position (e.g., Saya tahu dia beli apa). In formal Malay, the question word is often fronted and followed by yang (e.g., Saya tahu apa yang dia beli).
- Adjuncts: Words like bagaimana (how) and mengapa (why) are almost always fronted within their clause.
2. Indirect Yes/No Questions:
To embed a question that would normally be answered with 'yes' or 'no', Malay uses sama ada (whether). In casual speech, kalau is often used instead.
3. Formal Substitutions:
In highly formal writing, grammarians often suggest replacing the question word with a noun phrase to avoid the interrogative form entirely:
- Instead of mengapa, use sebab (the reason).
- Instead of di mana, use tempat (the place).
- Instead of bila, use masa (the time).
Examples (5)
- Saya tidak tahu apa yang dia beli.
I don't know what he bought.
Word by Word: I not know what that he buy.
Here, 'apa' is embedded as the object of 'tahu'. The use of 'yang' makes it a relative clause, which is very common in this structure.
- Cikgu belum pasti bila peperiksaan akan bermula.
The teacher is not yet certain when the exam will begin.
Word by Word: Teacher not-yet certain when examination will begin.
The question word 'bila' (when) is used to report an unknown variable following the adjective 'pasti' (certain).
- Dia tanya saya di mana awak tinggal.
He asked me where you live.
Word by Word: He ask me at where you live.
In this indirect question, 'di mana' remains in its natural position. Note that 'di manakah' would be incorrect here.
- Tolong beritahu saya bagaimana untuk ke sana.
Please tell me how to get there.
Word by Word: Please tell me how for to there.
The question word 'bagaimana' (how) is used to request specific information within a polite command.
- Polis sedang menyiasat siapa yang terlibat.
The police are investigating who is involved.
Word by Word: Police progressive-aspect investigate who that involved.
The question word 'siapa' (who) identifies the unknown subject being investigated.
Common Mistakes
Keeping -kah in an embedded clause in everyday Malay.
Saya tidak tahu siapakah dia.Saya tidak tahu siapa dia.The -kah particle belongs mainly to direct questions. In an embedded clause it is usually left off ('Saya tidak tahu siapa dia'), though careful formal writing can keep it.
Omitting 'yang' when fronting a question word in a formal context.
Dia bertanya apa saya beli.Dia bertanya apa yang saya beli.In formal Malay, when a question word like apa is moved to the front of the embedded clause, it usually requires yang to link it to the rest of the clause.
Using 'kalau' instead of 'sama ada' for formal indirect yes-no questions.
Saya tidak pasti kalau dia datang.Saya tidak pasti sama ada dia datang.While kalau is common in conversation, formal Malay requires sama ada to express 'whether' or 'if' in an embedded question.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand embedded question words, a learner needs to be familiar with the basic question words themselves and how they function in simple sentences. Since Malay embedded questions usually keep the question word in its normal grammatical position (rather than moving it to the front of the clause as in English), understanding standard SVO word order is essential. Additionally, these structures are frequently used with verbs of cognition or communication in the negative, such as 'I don't know where he is going'.
- apaWhat with Apa
Learners must first understand basic question words like 'apa', 'siapa', and 'mana' in simple interrogative sentences before they can use them in embedded clauses.
Level 1 - tidakNegating Verbs and Adjectives with Tidak
Embedded questions often follow matrix verbs like 'tidak tahu' (don't know) or 'tidak pasti' (not sure), making basic negation a common component of these sentences.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- -kahQuestion Suffix -kah
The particle used in direct questions but strictly forbidden in embedded clauses.
Level 3 - yangRelative Clauses with Yang
Often used alongside embedded question words to clarify the specific thing or person being discussed.
Level 2 - apakah (soalan tak langsung)Whether in Embedded Clauses
Used specifically for 'whether' or 'if' questions, whereas this pattern uses specific interrogative pronouns.
Level 4 - Question Word + punIndefinites with Pun
Question words combined with 'pun' (e.g., siapa pun) create indefinite meanings like 'whoever', which is a related way to use question words in statements.
Level 3 - bahawaContent Clauses with Bahawa
The standard complementizer for 'that' clauses, which contrasts with question-word clauses that report unknowns.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
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