The me- prefix (active verbs)

By Speak Indo, from the Speak Indo Indonesian course.

The meN- family forms many active verbs. Its spelling changes with the first sound of the root.

How it works

The active prefix often written as meN- has several surface forms: • vowels, g, h → meng-: mengambil, menggoreng, menghitung • k usually disappears after meng-: kirim → mengirim • b, f, v → mem-: membaca, memfoto • p usually disappears after mem-: pakai → memakai • c, d, j, z → men-: mencari, mendengar, menjual • t usually disappears after men-: tulis → menulis • s usually becomes meny-: sapu → menyapu • l, m, n, r, w, y → me-: melihat, merasa, mewarnai Loanwords and a number of established verbs have exceptions, so treat this as a strong pattern rather than a mechanical rule.

Examples

• Saya membaca buku.
  I read a book. (baca → membaca)
• Dia menulis surat.
  He/She writes a letter. (tulis → menulis)
• Kami mengambil foto.
  We take a photo. (ambil → mengambil)
• Ibu menyapu lantai.
  Mother sweeps the floor. (sapu → menyapu)