I The Article
There is no article in Malay, that is, there is no word which corresponds exactly with our definite article the, or indefinite article a, an. Kuda, horse, and orang, man, signify equally “the horse” and “the man.” When it is desired to specify particular objects, the pronouns ini, this, itu, that, and yang, this which, or that which, are used. Si sometimes supplies the place of the definite article when a person is spoken of; as si-laki-laki, the man; si-perampuan, the woman; si-mati, the deceased; si-bongkok, the cripple.
The numeral satu, one, is often used as the indefinite article; as ada sa’ orang di negri Kedah, there was a man in the state of Kedah; ini satu kuda chantek, this is a beautiful horse.