daripada / dari
Source Comparison Place and Time
While both mean 'from', dari is strictly for Arah (Direction), Tempat (Place), and Masa (Time). Daripada is used for everything else, including people, materials, and comparisons.
How It Works
In formal Malay, these two prepositions have distinct roles:
1. Dari (The ATM Rule):
- Arah (Direction): Angin bertiup dari selatan. (The wind blows from the south.)
- Tempat (Place): Saya baru pulang dari sekolah. (I just returned from school.)
- Masa (Time): Dia bekerja dari pagi hingga malam. (He works from morning until night.)
- Abstract Direction: Used with words like segi (aspect) or sudut (angle). Dari segi undang-undang... (From a legal aspect...)
2. Daripada (Non-Physical Sources):
- People/Organizations: Used when receiving something from a person. Surat daripada ibu. (A letter from mother.)
- Materials: What something is made of. Cincin ini diperbuat daripada emas. (This ring is made of gold.)
- Comparison: Used to mean 'than'. Ali lebih tinggi daripada Abu. (Ali is taller than Abu.)
- Abstract Sources/Causes: Kesimpulan daripada kajian itu. (The conclusion from that study.)
- Source of Problem/Illness (Punca): Penyakit itu berpunca daripada virus. (That illness stems from a virus.)
- Fractions/Parts: Dua daripada lima orang. (Two out of five people.)
Note: In casual speech, many speakers use dari for everything, but to become proficient in formal writing, you must distinguish them.
Examples (5)
- Kereta itu datang dari arah utara.
That car is coming from the north.
Word by Word: Car that come from direction north.
Uses 'dari' because it refers to a direction (Arah).
- Meja ini diperbuat daripada kayu jati.
This table is made from teak wood.
Word by Word: Table this made from wood teak.
Uses 'daripada' because it refers to the material something is made of.
- Harga buku ini lebih murah daripada buku itu.
The price of this book is cheaper than that book.
Word by Word: Price book this more cheap from book that.
Uses 'daripada' to indicate a comparison (than).
- Saya menerima e-mel daripada pengurus saya.
I received an email from my manager.
Word by Word: I receive email from manager I.
Uses 'daripada' because the source is a person, not a physical location.
- Kedai itu dibuka dari pukul lapan pagi.
The shop is open from eight in the morning.
Word by Word: Shop that opened from o'clock eight morning.
Uses 'dari' because it refers to a starting point in time (Masa).
Common Mistakes
Using 'dari' for people.
Hadiah ini dari Ali.Hadiah ini daripada Ali.Even though 'dari' is common in slang, formal grammar requires 'daripada' when the source is a person.
Using 'dari' for comparisons.
Dia lebih besar dari saya.Dia lebih besar daripada saya.In standard Malay, 'daripada' must be used for comparisons (equivalent to 'than').
Using 'daripada' for abstract directions like 'segi' or 'sudut'.
Daripada segi ekonomi, negara itu stabil.Dari segi ekonomi, negara itu stabil.Learners often assume abstract concepts require 'daripada', but 'segi' (aspect/side) and 'sudut' (angle) are treated as directions, thus requiring 'dari'.
Related Patterns
- dariSource with Dari
This is the specific pattern for 'dari' focusing on its physical origin functions.
Level 1 - daripadaComparison Standard with Daripada
Focuses specifically on using 'daripada' to compare two items.
Level 2 - lebih ... daripadaComparative with Lebih
The standard comparative structure that utilizes 'daripada'.
Level 2 - diLocation with Di
Another essential preposition used for static locations, often confused with 'dari' (movement from).
Level 1 - keDirection with Ke
The opposite of 'dari'; used for movement toward a place or direction.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice daripada / dari in Bubblegum
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