Malay · Question Words
mengapa
Why
Beginneradverb
Definition
Used to ask about reasons; kenapa is the casual form.
Example
Mengapa awak lambat?
Why were you late?
Etymology
'Mengapa' combines 'meng' (to do) and 'apa' (what) from Proto-Malay, meaning 'why'. It reflects inquiry into motives and reasons.
How & Where It’s Used
'Mengapa' is mainly used in formal registers, particularly in written contexts, for discussions that require deeper explanation or justification.