There are many other similar idiomatic terms, examples of which will be given in the more advanced lessons farther on.
XI. PARTICLES.
Most of the particles have been noticed in speaking of the verb, but there are three or four which require special mention.
Lah is affixed to words of all kinds, sometimes merely for the sake of euphony, but more frequently as a particle of intensity.
In the sentence ada-lah kapada suatu hari, it happened on a certain day, lah is simply expletive; but in the sentence dia-lah yang buat, it was he who did it, the particle serves to emphasise the word dia. The latter use of the particle lah is exemplified by its frequent employment to emphasise a command; as mari-lah, come; pergi-lah, go.
Kah is the interrogative particle. When affixed to words it is the sign of a question or a doubt; as itu-kah atau lain-kah? is it that or another? Antah sunggoh-kah atau tidak, it is doubtful whether it be true or not.
Tah is also an interrogative particle, but of less general use than kah. Apa-tah? what else? is a common phrase indicating assent.
Pun is annexed to all kinds of words, sometimes merely to give roundness to a phrase, sometimes with the sense of “too,” or “also” (where the sentence is affirmative), or “nor,” “neither” (where it is negative); as maka iya-pun datang, then he came; aku pun mahu, I too want it; siyang pun tidak malam pun tidak, it was neither day nor night.