馃嚥馃嚲 Malay phrases

How to Say "What does this mean?" in Malay

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Apa maksud ini?
"What does this mean?" in Malay 路 say it like ah-pah mahk-sood ee-nee

The most natural way to say "What does this mean?" in Malay is Apa maksud ini?. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Apa erti ini?
Used in more formal contexts.
Apa yang ini maksudkan?
A slightly longer way to ask.

When to use it

You can use this phrase when you encounter something unclear or unfamiliar. It is appropriate in both casual and formal situations. It can be used in conversations, classrooms, or when reading signs and texts.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What does this mean?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Malay

MalayEnglish
Saya tidak faham. Apa maksud ini?I do not understand. What does this mean?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'maksud' with 'erti', but both can be used depending on context.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Apa maksud ini?, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Malay with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in a formal letter?

Yes, it is suitable for formal communication as well.

Learn Malay by speaking it

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