Mulailah

Mulailah is an Indonesian and Malay word used as an imperative form meaning “begin” or “start.” It functions as a directive, urging someone to commence an action or process. The form is the emphatic imperative of the verb mulai (to begin), and it is created by attaching the discourse particle -lah to the verb stem. The particle -lah serves to emphasize or soften commands in everyday language and formal discourse alike.

Etymology and forms: In standard Indonesian and Malay, mulai denotes the act of beginning. Mulailah represents the imperative mood of that verb, often preferred in formal or exhortative contexts. While mulailah is common in instructional or motivational text, speakers may also use the shorter mulai for straightforward commands, depending on tone and setting.

Usage: Mulailah appears in instructions, speeches, manuals, and other contexts where a directive is appropriate. It can introduce a step or action, as in “Mulailah dengan merencanakan langkah-langkah,” or stand alone for emphasis, as in “Mulailah sekarang.” The nuance of mulailah carries a sense of prompting someone to take initiative.

Examples: Mulailah sekarang. Mulailah dengan membaca petunjuk. Mulailah hidup sehat hari ini.

See also: mulai, memulai, kata kerja Indonesian, partikel -lah, bahasa Indonesia.