semakin ... semakin ...
The More the More
The pattern semakin ... semakin ... links two changes together. As the first thing changes, the second thing changes in response.
How It Works
The expression semakin ... semakin ... is the standard way to express 'the [comparative], the [comparative]' in Malay.
1. Structure and Subject Placement:
The pattern typically follows the structure: [Semakin + Adjective/Verb], [semakin + Adjective/Verb]. The subject can be placed in different positions depending on emphasis:
- Subject at the front: Encik Husin semakin kaya, semakin kedekut. (The richer Mr. Husin gets, the stingier he becomes.)
- Subject at the end: Semakin hari, semakin teruk penyakitnya. (As the days go by, his illness gets worse.)
- Subject in both clauses: Semakin banyak dia makan, semakin gemuk dia. (The more he eats, the fatter he gets.)
2. Word Origins and Forms:
The word semakin is a formal standard variant. However, makin ... makin ... is also a standard, valid word acceptable in formal writing, though semakin is slightly more elevated. Another highly common colloquial pattern is lagi ... lagi ....
3. Usage and Common Errors:
While most commonly used with adjectives (like besar, cepat, susah), it can also be used with verbs that imply growth, decline, or change (like meningkat, berkurang, membenci). When used to show a simple increase in degree in a single clause, semakin is often interchangeable with bertambah + Adjective (e.g., semakin tinggi vs bertambah tinggi).
Important: Do not combine semakin and bertambah together (e.g., semakin bertambah mahal). According to standard grammar rules (DBP), this is a classic error of redundancy (lewah). Use one or the other. Fixed time-based formulas like semakin lama semakin... and semakin hari semakin... are also very common.
4. Rule of Symmetry:
Standard Malay grammar strictly prohibits mixing these paired conjunctions. They must remain symmetrical:
- Semakin: Formal and standard (e.g., semakin ... semakin ...).
- Makin: Standard and acceptable in both formal and daily speech.
- Kian: Literary or poetic (e.g., kian hari kian rindu).
Do not mix them (e.g., never use kian ... semakin ...). Always match the pairs.
Examples (4)
- Semakin banyak kita membaca, semakin luas pengetahuan kita.
The more we read, the broader our knowledge becomes.
Word by Word: The more much we read, the more wide knowledge our.
This shows a direct proportion between the act of reading and the expansion of knowledge.
- Semakin lama, semakin sukar tugasan ini.
The longer (it takes), the more difficult this task becomes.
Word by Word: The more long, the more difficult task this.
Here, 'lama' (long/time passing) is the condition that makes the task harder.
- Harga barang semakin hari semakin mahal.
The price of goods is getting more expensive day by day.
Word by Word: Price goods more day more expensive.
This is a common variation where 'semakin hari' (more days/as days pass) is used to show a trend over time.
- Makin cepat awak lari, makin penat awak rasa.
The faster you run, the more tired you feel.
Word by Word: More fast you run, more tired you feel.
This example uses the informal 'makin' which is very common in spoken Malay.
Common Mistakes
Using 'maka' (then/so) to link the two clauses.
Semakin rajin dia belajar, maka semakin pandai dia.Semakin rajin dia belajar, semakin pandai dia.In standard Malaysian Malay (DBP), the word 'maka' is considered redundant in this specific paired construction. The two 'semakin' words are enough to show the relationship.
Using 'semakin' directly with a noun without a quantifier.
Semakin orang datang, semakin bising.Semakin ramai orang datang, semakin bising.Semakin must modify an adjective or verb. To say 'the more people,' you must use an adjective like 'ramai' (many/crowded).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the 'semakin ... semakin ...' construction, you first need to know the individual word 'semakin' (increasingly). Since this pattern usually links two changing states, you should be comfortable with how adjectives function as predicates in Malay and have a basic understanding of how degrees of comparison work.
Related Patterns
- lebih ... daripadaComparative with Lebih
While 'lebih' is used for static comparisons between two things, 'semakin' is used for a single thing changing over time.
Level 2 - makin ... makin ...Conversational Linked Change
This is the informal/conversational version of the same pattern.
Level 6 - kian ... kian ...Literary Linked Change
This is the literary or poetic equivalent of the 'semakin' pattern.
Level 6 - makaFormal Result with Maka
A formal result marker that learners often incorrectly insert into the 'semakin' pattern.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice semakin ... semakin ... in Bubblegum
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