A Manual of the Malay language / With an Introductory Sketch of the Sanskrit Element in Malay

by Sir William Edward Maxwell

The Menangkabau word is nen. This is often found in composition, but is seldom used in the dialect spoken in the Straits of Malacca. Example: Patek nen fakir— I who am but a beggar.

REFLECTIVE PRONOUNS.

Diri, sendiri, or kendiri, self, are used with or without the personal pronouns to signify myself, yourself, himself, ourselves, &c.

Examples.

Bunoh diri, to kill oneself.

Meng-ajar diri, to take oneself to task.

Hamba sendiri handak pergi, I shall go myself.

Baik tuan sendiri suroh, you had better order it yourself.

Kemdian turun-lah raja sendiri, afterwards the king himself descended.

Dia lari masok hutan membawa diri-nia, she escaped to the jungle with her life (lit. taking herself with her).