kerana

Reason Clause with Kerana

Level 1

kerana = because / due to
Used in formal writing and standard speech to explain the reason for something.

How It Works

1. Basic Function
The word kerana is used to introduce a clause that explains a cause or reason. It typically follows the main clause.
Example: Saya makan kerana saya lapar. (I eat because I am hungry.)

2. Register and Usage
It is important to distinguish between formal and informal Malay when using 'because':

  • Formal (Standard): Use kerana. This is the standard for exams, essays, and formal speeches.
  • Informal (Colloquial): Use sebab. Using kerana in a casual chat might sound overly stiff or 'bookish'.

3. Sentence Position
While usually placed in the middle of a sentence, kerana can also start a sentence to provide emphasis on the reason.
Example: Kerana hari hujan, dia tidak keluar. (Because it is raining, he is not going out.)

4. The 'Oleh Kerana' Error
A very common mistake even among native speakers is saying oleh kerana. In formal grammar, this is incorrect. You should use either kerana alone or oleh sebab (related to oleh sebab itu).

Examples (4)

  1. Dia tidak hadir ke sekolah kerana demam.

    He did not attend school because of a fever.

    Word by Word: He not attend to school because fever.

    A standard formal sentence where 'kerana' links the absence to the reason (fever).

  2. Kami suka rumah nenek kerana ia penuh dengan kenangan.

    We love grandma's house because it is full of memories.

    Word by Word: We like house grandma because it full with memories.

    Here, 'kerana' introduces a full clause (ia penuh dengan kenangan) as the reason.

  3. Kerana dia rajin, dia berjaya dalam peperiksaan.

    Because he is hardworking, he succeeded in the exam.

    Word by Word: Because he hardworking, he succeed in exam.

    This shows 'kerana' at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

  4. Saya menangis kerana sedih.

    I am crying because I am sad.

    Word by Word: I cry because sad.

    A simple sentence linking an emotion to an action using 'kerana'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'oleh kerana' in formal writing.

    Oleh kerana hari hujan, perlawanan dibatalkan.
    Oleh sebab hari hujan, perlawanan dibatalkan.

    'Oleh' is a preposition and must be followed by a noun (sebab), not a conjunction (kerana). Use 'Oleh sebab' or just 'Kerana'.

  • Using 'kerana' as a noun meaning 'the reason'.

    Apa kerana dia marah?
    Apa sebab dia marah?

    'Kerana' is only a connector (conjunction). If you want to say 'the reason', you must use the noun 'sebab'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

keranaLevel 1Reason Clause with Kerana

Learn This First

To use 'kerana' (because), you need to be able to form basic sentences that describe an action or state, and understand the concept of asking 'why' so you can provide a reason.

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