memper-...-kan

Complex Memper-...-kan Verbs

Level 4

The circumfix memper-...-kan is a formal tool for creating transitive verbs. It is used to form causative actions (to cause something to happen), to indicate a struggle for a cause, or to create specific formal verbs like memperkenalkan (to introduce) and mempertahankan (to defend).

How It Works

The circumfix memper-...-kan is a hallmark of high-level, standard Indonesian (BIPA Level 4+). It functions in three primary ways:

  • Causative/Presentational: It creates verbs that involve causing an action or showing something. For example, lihat (to see) becomes memperlihatkan (to show/cause to see).
  • Formal Verb Bases: When applied to verb roots, it creates a formal transitive action where the object is the focus of the activity. For example, debat (debate) becomes memperdebatkan (to debate something).
  • Lexicalized Formal Verbs: Many essential formal verbs use this pattern to convey complex meanings, such as mempertimbangkan (to consider), memperjuangkan (to fight for), and mempertahankan (to defend/maintain).

Morphological Rules:
1. The 'p' in memper- never drops or assimilates, unlike the standard meN- prefix rules.
2. The Noun Distinction: Be careful not to confuse this with the simple memper- prefix. To 'treat someone as [noun]' (e.g., memperbudak - to treat as a slave), you usually use only the prefix. Adding -kan often changes the meaning to a causative involving a third party.
3. The Adjective Exception: If you want to say 'to make something more [adjective]', the regular model uses memper- without the -kan suffix (e.g., memperbesar, not memperbesarkan).

Examples (6)

  1. Boleh saya memperkenalkan diri?

    May I introduce myself?

    Word by Word: May I introduce self?

    Memperkenalkan is the standard formal verb for 'to introduce'.

  2. Pemerintah sedang mempertimbangkan usul tersebut.

    The government is currently considering that proposal.

    Word by Word: Government [progressive] consider proposal that.

    Mempertimbangkan (from 'timbang' - to weigh) is used in formal contexts to mean 'to consider' or 'to weigh an option'.

  3. Dia memperlihatkan foto keluarganya kepada saya.

    He showed his family photo to me.

    Word by Word: He show photo family-his to me.

    Memperlihatkan means 'to cause to see' or 'to show'.

  4. Kita harus mempertahankan kedaulatan negara.

    We must maintain the country's sovereignty.

    Word by Word: We must maintain sovereignty country.

    Mempertahankan (from 'tahan' - to endure/hold) means to defend or maintain something.

  5. Mereka sedang memperdebatkan masalah anggaran.

    They are currently debating the budget issue.

    Word by Word: They [progressive] debate issue budget.

    Memperdebatkan (from 'debat' - debate) is a formal way to say 'to debate something'.

  6. Rakyat akan terus memperjuangkan hak-hak mereka.

    The people will continue to fight for their rights.

    Word by Word: People will continue fight-for rights their.

    Memperjuangkan (from 'juang' - struggle) means to fight for or strive for a specific cause.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding -kan to adjective roots when using memper-.

    Kita harus memperbesarkan ruangan ini.
    Kita harus memperbesar ruangan ini.

    For make bigger, the standard model is memperbesar. Do not freely add -kan to this word. Other established derived words have their own suffix patterns, so the complete verb must be learned.

  • Dropping the 'p' in the prefix (incorrect nasalization).

    Saya ingin memerkenalkan teman saya.
    Saya ingin memperkenalkan teman saya.

    Unlike the basic 'meN-' prefix, the 'p' in 'memper-' is always retained and never changes to 'm'.

How It Connects

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

memper-...-kanLevel 4Complex Memper-...-kan Verbs

Learn This First

The memper-...-kan pattern is a complex verbal circumfix. To understand it, learners must first be familiar with the basic memper- prefix and the -kan suffix. Since memper-...-kan often functions as a causative or transitive marker (e.g., 'memperkenalkan' - to introduce), familiarity with the standard meN-...-kan causative structure is also necessary to distinguish between these different levels of verbal derivation.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

memper--kan