Malay · Common Verbs
menolong
To help
Beginnerverb
Definition
To make something easier for someone; Indonesian prefers membantu.
Example
Saya menolong ibu memasak.
I help my mom cook.
Etymology
'Menolong' comes from the root 'tolong', meaning 'to help.' The prefix 'men-' indicates the action of providing help, making it a commonly used term in Malay-speaking communities since the early history of the language.
How & Where It’s Used
This verb is used in both formal and informal contexts (spoken and written) throughout Malay-speaking regions, symbolizing community and support. It is also commonly seen in educational materials.