sehingga
Result with Sehingga
Sehingga is a versatile word in Malay that connects an action to its result or defines a limit in time or space. In formal writing, it is the standard way to say 'until' or 'so that'.
How It Works
1. As a Conjunction of Result
When connecting two clauses, sehingga introduces a consequence. It describes a fact that happened as a result of the first part of the sentence.
Example: Dia bekerja keras sehingga jatuh sakit. (He worked hard, so [with the result that] he fell sick.)
2. As a Preposition of Limit
It marks the end point of a duration or a physical boundary, meaning 'until' or 'up to'.
Example: Kedai itu dibuka dari pagi sehingga malam. (The shop is open from morning until night.)
3. Emphasis with 'Sehinggakan'
In formal or literary contexts, the suffix -kan is added (sehinggakan) to emphasize an extreme or surprising result.
4. Register Differences
In formal Malay (Bahasa Baku), sehingga is preferred. In casual conversation, speakers almost always replace it with sampai.
Examples (4)
- Hujan turun dengan lebatnya sehingga jalan itu banjir.
It rained heavily, so the road was flooded.
Word by Word: Rain fall with heavy-its until road that flood.
Here, 'sehingga' introduces the actual result of the heavy rain.
- Dia ketawa terlalu kuat sehinggakan mengeluarkan air mata.
He laughed so hard that he shed tears.
Word by Word: He laugh too loud until-even emit water eye.
The form 'sehinggakan' is used here to emphasize the intensity of the result.
- Ibu mengisar cili itu sehingga lumat.
Mother ground the chilies until they became smooth.
Word by Word: Mother grind chili that until smooth.
This shows a state reached (smoothness) as a result of the action.
- Mesyuarat itu akan berlarutan sehingga pukul lima petang.
The meeting will drag on until five in the afternoon.
Word by Word: Meeting that will prolong until hour five afternoon.
In this context, 'sehingga' acts as a preposition marking a time limit.
Common Mistakes
Using 'sehingga ke' for time or place.
Kami menunggu sehingga ke pagi.Kami menunggu sehingga pagi.In formal grammar, 'sehingga' is already a preposition. Adding 'ke' is considered redundant (kelewahan).
'Sehingga lulus ujian' is correct, but it says the studying went on until you passed, not that passing was the goal.
Different MeaningSaya belajar rajin sehingga lulus ujian.Saya belajar rajin supaya lulus ujian.'Sehingga' gives a limit or result. For the aim of studying, use 'supaya': 'Saya belajar rajin supaya lulus ujian.'
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'sehingga' effectively, a learner needs to be comfortable with basic Malay sentence structure and the concept of connecting two clauses where one is the consequence of the other. Familiarity with other result or limit markers like 'jadi' and 'sampai' provides the necessary context for this pattern.
- sampaiUp to or Until with Sampai
Sehingga is semantically related to sampai (until/up to), and understanding the concept of a limit or destination helps in grasping sehingga as a marker of a resulting extent.
Level 1 - jadiResult or Transition with Jadi
Both patterns deal with results; understanding the simpler 'jadi' (so/therefore) provides a conceptual foundation for the more specific resultative function of 'sehingga'.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- agar / supayaPurpose with Agar or Supaya
While 'sehingga' shows a result that actually happened, 'supaya' shows the intended purpose or goal.
Level 2 - hinggaFormal Endpoint with Hingga
'Hingga' is a synonym often used for fixed time/place limits, whereas 'sehingga' is more versatile for results.
Level 3 - terlalu + AdjectiveExcessive Degree with Terlalu
'Sehingga' is often used after 'terlalu' (too) to show the consequence of an excessive quality.
Level 1
Learn Next
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