On the Words Sampat and Dan.

Sampat, to be able, competent to, opportunity, fit time; and dan, occasion, opportunity, fit time, are two useful words which are employed with verbs in much the same manner as buleh, lalu, &c.

In some parts of the peninsula (Perak, for example), sampang is used instead of sampat.

These words are used more generally to state a negative proposition than an affirmative one.

Examples.

They are not able to stand— Tiada-lah sampat iya ber-diri.

There was not time (for the fire) to spread to the inner part of the house, but (it was confined) to the cook-room— Tiada sampang di-makan sampei ka-dalam rumah hania sa-bĕlah dapor sahaja.

There was no time to render assistance— Tiada dan di-tulong.

He is not in a position to resist— Tiada sampat iya me-lawan.

I was not in time to see him; he had already started— Ta’dan ber-jumpa, sudah dia jalan dahulu.