peN-...-an / per-...-an
Choosing Process Nominalizers
PeN-...-an and per-...-an can name processes, events, results, or domains. Their common associations with meN- and ber- help, but do not create a strict process-versus-result division.
How It Works
Becoming proficient in the difference between these two nominalizers is key to advanced Indonesian proficiency.
1. peN-...-an (Often an Act or Process)
This circumfix is derived from meN- active verbs. It describes the act of performing the verb. It usually follows the same nasalization rules as meN- (e.g., tulis becomes penulisan).
- Common meanings include an act or process; other established senses are possible.
- Example: Pembangunan (The act of building/developing).
- Note: Some verbs use a non-nasalized pe-...-an form, such as pelaksanaan (implementation) from laksana.
2. per-...-an (The Result, Domain, or Collection)
This circumfix is usually derived from ber- verbs or nouns. It describes the result of an action, an event, or a place/institution. When derived from nouns, it often indicates a field, industry, or domain.
- Meanings can include processes and events as well as states, institutions, or collections.
- Example: Pertemuan (A meeting/event) or Perikanan (Fisheries/the fishing industry).
3. Semantic Contrast and Exceptions
Sometimes a single root can take both, creating a specific distinction:
- Penyatuan: The act of unifying (process).
- Persatuan: Unity or a union (state/result).
- Pengajaran: The act of teaching (process).
- Pelajaran: The lesson or subject (content).
- Exception: Pengadilan can name a court or the process of adjudication; peradilan concerns the judicial system or process. These senses show why a strict process-versus-place formula is insufficient.
Examples (5)
- Pemerintah sedang mempercepat pembangunan jalan tol.
The government is currently accelerating the development of the toll road.
Word by Word: Government currently accelerate process-build road toll.
Here, 'pembangunan' uses peN-...-an because it refers to the active process of building.
- Kami akan mengadakan pertemuan di kantor besok.
We will hold a meeting at the office tomorrow.
Word by Word: We will hold event-meet at office tomorrow.
Pertemuan is the established event noun for a meeting, related to bertemu. This example does not make every per-...-an noun non-processual.
- Guru itu fokus pada pengajaran, tetapi murid lebih peduli pada pelajaran.
The teacher focuses on the teaching, but the students care more about the lesson.
Word by Word: Teacher that focus on process-teach, but student more care on result-teach.
This shows the contrast: 'pengajaran' is the act of teaching, while 'pelajaran' is the content/lesson itself.
- Perjalanan dari Jakarta ke Bandung memakan waktu tiga jam.
The journey from Jakarta to Bandung takes three hours.
Word by Word: Event-walk from Jakarta to Bandung take time three hour.
'Perjalanan' comes from 'berjalan' (to walk/travel). Since it is an intransitive ber- verb, it uses per-...-an.
- Penulisan laporan ini membutuhkan ketelitian.
The writing of this report requires precision.
Word by Word: Process-write report this need precision.
'Penulisan' refers to the active procedure of writing the report.
Common Mistakes
Using peN-...-an for nouns derived from ber- verbs.
Penjalanan itu sangat melelahkan.Perjalanan itu sangat melelahkan.Since the root 'jalan' forms the verb 'berjalan' (intransitive), the noun for 'journey' must be 'perjalanan', not 'penjalanan'.
Using penyatuan (the act of uniting) when you mean the state of unity.
Different MeaningPenyatuan bangsa sangat penting.Persatuan bangsa sangat penting.While 'penyatuan' refers to the active process of uniting something, 'persatuan' refers to the resulting state of unity or a union.
Applying nasalization to per-...-an forms.
Pemukiman ini sangat padat.Permukiman ini sangat padat.For nouns derived from 'ber-' verbs like 'bermukim' (to reside), the prefix remains 'per-' without nasalization. 'Permukiman' refers to the settlement area.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- peN-...-anProcess Nouns with PeN-...-an
This is the specific pattern for process-oriented nouns.
Level 3 - per-...-anPer-...-an Nouns
This is the specific pattern for nouns referring to locations or fields of study.
Level 3 - ke-...-an (keadaan)Abstract States with Ke-...-an
Ke-...-an often forms state nouns; peN-...-an often forms process nouns, with established word-specific meanings in both patterns.
Level 3 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
PeN-...-an nouns commonly correspond to meN- verbs; learn the particular derived noun and its senses.
Level 2 - ber-Basic Activity Verbs with Ber-
Per-...-an nouns commonly correspond to ber- verbs, and can also derive from nouns or relate to memper- verbs.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
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