This is the 27th most frequent Malay word.
tetapi
"However" or "but".
The word "tetapi" is used here as a conjunction to present a contrasting idea between enjoying reading books and not having enough time for it.
Saya suka membaca buku, tetapi saya tidak mempunyai masa yang cukup.
I enjoy reading books, but I do not have enough time.
Here, "tetapi" indicates a contradiction between the need to leave early and the unfavorable weather conditions.
Kita perlu pergi awal, tetapi cuaca nampaknya tidak mengizinkan.
We need to leave early, but it seems the weather does not permit it.
"Tetapi" is employed to introduce a contrast between the person's skill in mathematics and their low interest in it.