The ter- prefix

By Speak Indo, from the Speak Indo Indonesian course.

ter- marks accidental actions, completed states, or superlatives.

How it works

ter- is a versatile prefix with three main jobs: 1. Accidental / unintentional: • jatuh (fall) → terjatuh (accidentally fell, fell down) • bangun (wake) → terbangun (suddenly awakened) 2. Completed state / passive: • tutup (close) → tertutup (closed, shut) • buka (open) → terbuka (open, ajar) 3. Superlative ('most ___'): • besar (big) → terbesar (biggest) • baik (good) → terbaik (best) Context tells you which sense is meant.

Examples

• Pintu terbuka karena angin.
  The door opened because of the wind.
• Saya terjatuh di tangga.
  I accidentally fell on the stairs.
• Restoran ini terbaik di kota.
  This restaurant is the best in town.