When learning a new language, it is essential to familiarize yourself with vocabulary that will be useful in your daily life. For those working in an office environment, knowing the terms for common office furniture can be particularly beneficial. This article will introduce you to the Malay terms for various pieces of office furniture, helping you feel more comfortable and confident in an office setting in Malaysia or any other Malay-speaking region.
Desks and Tables
One of the most fundamental pieces of office furniture is the desk. In Malay, a desk is called a “meja kerja”. The word “meja” means table, and “kerja” translates to work, so together, it forms “work table.” Here’s how you can use it in a sentence:
– “Saya memerlukan meja kerja baru.” (I need a new work desk.)
Similarly, a meeting table or conference table is referred to as a “meja mesyuarat”. “Mesyuarat” means meeting, so the term directly translates to “meeting table.”
– “Sila duduk di meja mesyuarat.” (Please sit at the meeting table.)
Additional Table Types
You might also come across different types of tables in an office setting:
– Meja bulat: Round table
– Meja panjang: Long table
– Meja kopi: Coffee table
Chairs
Another critical piece of furniture in an office is the chair. In Malay, a chair is called a “kerusi”. Here is an example sentence:
– “Kerusi ini sangat selesa.” (This chair is very comfortable.)
For a more specific term, such as an office chair, you can say “kerusi pejabat”. “Pejabat” means office, making this term straightforward to remember.
– “Kerusi pejabat saya rosak.” (My office chair is broken.)
Specialized Chairs
There are also different types of chairs you might encounter:
– Kerusi mesyuarat: Meeting chair
– Kerusi pengarah: Director’s chair
– Kerusi tetamu: Guest chair
Storage Units
Offices often require various types of storage units to keep things organized. In Malay, a cabinet is referred to as a “kabinet”. Here is how you can use it in a sentence:
– “Fail-fail ini disimpan dalam kabinet.” (These files are stored in the cabinet.)
For a filing cabinet, you can use the term “kabinet fail”. “Fail” means file, so this term is quite intuitive.
– “Saya perlukan kabinet fail yang lebih besar.” (I need a larger filing cabinet.)
Shelves and Drawers
Other types of storage units include shelves and drawers.
– Rak: Shelf
– Laci: Drawer
Examples:
– “Buku-buku ini diletakkan di rak.” (These books are placed on the shelf.)
– “Kunci ada di dalam laci.” (The keys are in the drawer.)
Electronic Equipment
Modern offices are equipped with various electronic devices. Knowing the terms for these can be incredibly useful.
A computer in Malay is called a “komputer”, which is a direct borrowing from English:
– “Saya menggunakan komputer untuk bekerja.” (I use the computer for work.)
A printer is referred to as a “pencetak”:
– “Dokumen ini perlu dicetak dengan pencetak.” (This document needs to be printed with the printer.)
Other Electronic Devices
Other common electronic devices include:
– Telefon: Telephone
– Pengimbas: Scanner
– Mesin fotostat: Photocopier
Examples:
– “Sila jawab telefon.” (Please answer the telephone.)
– “Dokumen ini perlu diimbas dengan pengimbas.” (This document needs to be scanned with the scanner.)
Miscellaneous Office Items
Apart from the major pieces of furniture, there are numerous other items that are essential in an office setting.
A clock in Malay is called a “jam”:
– “Tolong tengok jam.” (Please look at the clock.)
A whiteboard is referred to as a “papan putih”:
– “Sila tulis di papan putih.” (Please write on the whiteboard.)
Other Useful Terms
Here are a few more terms that could come in handy:
– Tempat letak pen: Pen holder
– Pembaris: Ruler
– Pelekat: Sticker or adhesive
Examples:
– “Letakkan pen di tempat letak pen.” (Put the pen in the pen holder.)
– “Saya perlukan pembaris untuk melukis garis lurus.” (I need a ruler to draw a straight line.)
– “Gunakan pelekat untuk tampal kertas ini.” (Use a sticker to attach this paper.)
Conclusion
Learning the Malay terms for common office furniture can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in a professional setting. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the office environment, whether you’re in Malaysia or any other Malay-speaking region. Practice using these words in sentences to improve your fluency and confidence. Happy learning!
Remember, language learning is a journey. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become. Selamat belajar! (Happy learning!)
