Sampei
Definition & Context
Preposition
A word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause.
Refers to a function word indicating the end limit of time, place, or condition. It is a non-standard orthographic variant of the word “sampai”, commonly found in Classical Malay and Dutch East Indies literature.
Synonyms & Variants
datang
Synonym in the context of physical movement.
hingga
A formal synonym emphasizing limits.
sampai
A function word indicating the end limit of a time, place, or state. It is the standard form of 'sampei'.
sampe
A non-standard or informal variant of 'sampai', often used in daily conversation or informal writing.
tiba
To reach a place after traveling.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word sampei is a phonological variation of sampai, reflecting the pronunciation of the diphthong ai as ei in vernacular Malay dialects. This spelling was dominant during the Van Ophuijsen era before the standardization of modern Indonesian. In the Soewandi Spelling (1947), this writing style persisted among some communities but was officially redirected back to the standard form sampai. This transition illustrates the language codification process from popular oral forms to formal written forms.
Real-world Usage
Saja batja soerat itoe sampei habis. (Saya baca surat itu sampai habis.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
Know another meaning for "Sampei"?
Slang evolves fast. If this word is used differently in your circle, add it here.