Adjacent passive agent

Level 3

In Indonesian, when using the di- passive, you can often drop the word oleh (by) if the person doing the action comes immediately after the verb.

How It Works

The adjacent passive agent is a common, efficient way to express the passive voice in Indonesian. While oleh is the standard translation for 'by', it is syntactically optional when the agent is placed directly after a verb with the di- prefix.

Key Rules:

  • Basic Third-Person Model: This lesson practices third-person actors (e.g., dia, mereka, Budi, guru). For simple I/you clauses, object voice such as Buku itu saya baca is a useful standard choice. First- and second-person di- agents also occur; do not infer a universal prohibition from this lesson’s basic model.
  • Adjacency in the Standard Model: The agent must follow the verb immediately. If you add an adverb like 'yesterday' or 'quickly' after the verb, you must re-insert oleh.
  • Bound Pronouns: The suffix -nya often acts as the agent in this pattern (e.g., dimakannya - eaten by him/her).

This form is used in both formal writing and daily conversation, making the sentence feel more direct and integrated.

Examples (4)

  1. Buku itu dibaca Budi.

    That book was read by Budi.

    Word by Word: Book that [passive]-read Budi.

    Here, the agent 'Budi' follows the verb 'dibaca' directly, so 'oleh' is not required.

  2. Kue ini dimakan mereka.

    This cake was eaten by them.

    Word by Word: Cake this [passive]-eat them.

    The third-person pronoun 'mereka' (they) acts as the agent immediately after the verb.

  3. Pintu itu dibukanya.

    The door was opened by him/her.

    Word by Word: Door that [passive]-open-by.him.

    The suffix -nya acts as the adjacent agent, meaning 'by him' or 'by her'.

  4. Mobil itu diperbaiki montir.

    The car was repaired by the mechanic.

    Word by Word: Car that [passive]-repair mechanic.

    A common noun like 'montir' can serve as the adjacent agent in professional or descriptive contexts.

Common Mistakes

  • Separating the verb and agent with another word without using 'oleh'.

    Buku itu dibaca kemarin Budi.
    Buku itu dibaca kemarin oleh Budi.

    In the standard construction practiced here, kemarin separates Budi from dibaca, so use oleh before the agent.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Adjacent passive agentLevel 3

Learn This First

To understand the adjacent passive agent, you must first be familiar with the basic di- passive prefix and how agents are normally introduced using the preposition 'oleh'. Knowledge of noun-possessor juxtaposition is also helpful as the word order for an adjacent agent follows a similar pattern of direct attachment.