Commands with the bare verb
For the basic transitive imperative, remove meN-: membaca becomes Baca! Keep derivational suffixes such as -kan and -i. Intransitive imperatives can retain their prefixes, as in Berdiri!
How It Works
The bare imperative is the foundational way to issue commands in Indonesian. It is direct and common in informal speech, though it can sound blunt if not softened with words like tolong (please).
1. Transitive Verbs (Actions with an Object)
For the basic direct transitive imperative taught here, remove the meN- prefix to form the command. Use the remaining verb base, retaining any required suffix as described below.
- Menulis (to write) → Tulis! (Write!)
- Membeli (to buy) → Beli! (Buy!)
2. Verbs with Suffixes
If the verb has a suffix like -kan or -i, you keep the suffix but still drop the prefix.
- Mendengarkan (to listen) → Dengarkan! (Listen!)
- Memasuki (to enter) → Masuki! (Enter!)
3. Intransitive Verbs (Actions without an Object)
Unlike transitive verbs, intransitive verbs usually keep their prefixes (often ber- or meN-).
- Berdiri (to stand) → Berdiri! (Stand up!)
- Berlari (to run) → Berlari! (Run!)
4. Usage and Register
This form is used with friends, children, or in urgent situations. The particle -lah can be attached to the verb (e.g., Bacalah!) and may make an exhortation more formal or soften it. Context and intonation still determine its force.
Other Directive Constructions: Harap membaca dulu and Silakan mengisi formulir ini retain meN- after a directive introducer. This lesson’s bare imperative model does not apply unchanged to every way of requesting an action.
Examples (5)
- Makan!
Eat!
Word by Word: Eat!
A very direct command using the root of the verb 'makan' (to eat).
- Tunggu sebentar.
Wait a moment.
Word by Word: Wait a-moment.
The root 'tunggu' is used here as a neutral instruction.
- Buka pintu itu.
Open that door.
Word by Word: Open door that.
The prefix 'mem-' is dropped from 'membuka' to create the command 'buka'.
- Dengarkan saya.
Listen to me.
Word by Word: Listen-to me.
The suffix '-kan' is retained while the prefix 'men-' is dropped.
- Berhenti!
Stop!
Word by Word: Stop!
For the intransitive verb 'berhenti', the 'ber-' prefix is kept in the command form.
Common Mistakes
Keeping the meN- prefix when giving a command for a transitive verb.
Membaca buku ini!Baca buku ini!Baca buku ini! is the ordinary bare transitive imperative; it removes mem- from membaca. This does not ban full active forms in every directive construction: TBBI gives Harap membaca dulu and Silakan mengisi formulir ini.
Dropping the ber- prefix for intransitive commands.
Diri!Berdiri!While transitive verbs drop prefixes, intransitive verbs like 'berdiri' (to stand) usually require the 'ber-' prefix to be grammatically correct as a command.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the bare imperative, a learner must first be familiar with the basic sentence structure of Indonesian and the fact that verbs do not undergo conjugation or agreement, making the base verb the standard form for simple commands.
Related Patterns
- tolong + VerbPolite Requests with Tolong
Used to soften the bare imperative into a polite request.
Level 1 - silakan + VerbInvitations and Permission with Silakan
Used to give permission or a polite invitation, which is a softer alternative to a direct command.
Level 1 - janganNegative Commands with Jangan
The negative counterpart used to tell someone NOT to do something.
Level 1 - -lahImperative -lah
The particle -lah can accompany an imperative, often giving it a more formal or exhortative tone; it does not guarantee softness.
Level 3 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
The prefix that must be removed from transitive verbs to form the bare imperative.
Level 2 - ber-Basic Activity Verbs with Ber-
The prefix that is typically retained in intransitive imperative commands.
Level 2
Practice Commands with the bare verb in Bubblegum
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