Buleh is a contraction of ber-uleh, a verb formed from the preposition uleh, by, by means of. The primary meaning of ber-uleh or buleh is to obtain, effect, and hence it has come to mean “to be able.” The original sense of the word may be seen in such sentences as ber-uleh per-minta-an, to obtain (compliance with) a request; sudah-kah buleh anak? have you had a child?
Examples.
How can one know?— Mana buleh tahu?
Can you read English?— Kamu buleh-kah mem-bacha surat Inggris?
It is not to be calculated— Tiada-lah buleh handak di-kira-kira lagi.
Every month I remind (give to remember) him— Tiap-tiap bulan ada hamba-tuan bĕri ingat.
To feed (lit. give to eat)— Bĕri makan.
Just read that and let me hear it— Choba bacha itu biar sahaya dengar.
I wished to speak to him, but they would not let me— Sahaya handak chakap dengan dia orang ta’ bahagi.
He informed (gave to know) the Penghulu— Dia bĕri tahu kapada Penghulu.