Lesson IX On the Verb Kĕna
Kĕna, in the sense of “to incur,” is frequently used with other words to express the passive mood. Thus, instead of “he was fined,” Malays will say “he incurred a fine;” instead of “he was blamed,” “he incurred anger.” Kĕna also means to touch, strike, hit, affect. Kĕna apa? “affected by what?” is frequently pronounced as a single word, kenapa, meaning “why?”
He was prosecuted— Dia kĕna bichara.
They were sentenced to five years each— Kĕna hukum atas sa’orang lima tahun.
He incurred the displeasure of his father— Dia kĕna ka-marah-an deri-pada bapa-nia.
The axe slipped in his hand and took effect on the back of his leg— Ter lepas di tangan kapak itu, kĕna di bĕlakang kaki-nia.
Those who have not yet had small-pox— Orang yang belum kĕna ka-tumboh-an.4
If any one disobeys he will be fined five dollars— Kalau ada siapa ban tah nanti kĕna denda lima ringgit.
I have been cheated— Sahaya sudah kĕna tipu.
He has been found guilty— Dia sudah kĕna salah.
He died of a snake-bite— Dia mati kĕna pagut ular.
That won’t do (does not hit it)— Ta’ kĕna bagitu.
Don’t go there, you may be injured— Jangan pergi sana, barangkali kĕna satu apa-apa.
I am always catching cold— Salalu sahaya kĕna sardi.5
If the medicine does not take effect it is likely that the disease will take a long time to be cured (i.e., the patient will probably die)— Kalau tiada kĕna ubat-nia harus juga lambat baik penyakit itu.
4. The Malay word for small-pox differs in various localities. In Penang the common word is ka-tumboh-an (lit. eruption); in Malacca and Singapore, chachar; in Perak, si-tawar and sakit orang baik (lit. “disease of the good people,” a euphuism); in some parts of Borneo, puru nasi.
5. Sardi (Persian and Hindustani) is the word used by the Malays of Penang. Selesima and selimat generally mean more than a mere cold in the head.
Exercise
He died of a stab with a kris. He was put to great expense. The ship was damaged by striking on the rocks. They were fined twenty dollars each. It did not receive a single blemish. Those who disobey will be prosecuted. He was very severely beaten. What has happened to the dog that he limps like that? He has been robbed on the road. He suffered no small loss. That place won’t do. This letter has been blackened by fire. Yesterday he incurred his master’s anger.