berkenaan dengan

Concerning with Berkenaan Dengan

Level 5

Berkenaan dengan is a high-level formal connector used to introduce a topic or link an action to a specific occasion. It is the formal equivalent of tentang (about).

How It Works

Berkenaan dengan serves two main functions in formal Indonesian:

1. Thematic Connection: It introduces a subject or reference point, similar to 'concerning' or 'in relation to.' While tentang is neutral and used in daily speech, berkenaan dengan implies a professional or logical link.
2. Occasional Connection: It can mean 'on the occasion of' or 'coinciding with.' In this context, it explains that an event is timed to align with a specific date or milestone (like an anniversary), rather than implying a direct causal link.

Morphology:
The word is formed using a lexicalized ber-...-an circumfix on the root kena. In this specific instance, the circumfix indicates a state of relationship or connection rather than a reciprocal action. Note that it must be followed by the preposition dengan and a noun phrase; it cannot directly precede a verb unless that verb has been nominalized.

Secondary Meaning:
When used without the preposition dengan, the verb berkenaan can mean 'to agree' or 'to be suitable.' Note that this is distinct from the word berkenan (without the extra 'a'), which means 'to deign' or 'to be pleasing to.'

Register Note:
This phrase gives a formal tone and is useful in correspondence and analysis. Tentang is a simpler conversational option. A deliberate formal tone in speech does not make the phrase ungrammatical.

Examples (4)

  1. Berkenaan dengan hari ulang tahun kemerdekaan, pemerintah memberikan remisi kepada narapidana.

    On the occasion of Independence Day, the government granted remissions to prisoners.

    Word by Word: Concerning with day repeat year independence, government give remission to prisoner.

    Here, the phrase links the government's action (granting remission) to the specific occasion (Independence Day).

  2. Saya menulis surat ini berkenaan dengan keluhan yang kami terima minggu lalu.

    I am writing this letter with regard to the complaint we received last week.

    Word by Word: I write letter this concerning with complaint which we receive week past.

    In a professional context, this introduces the specific topic of the correspondence.

  3. Pengunduran dirinya diduga berkenaan dengan skandal korupsi tersebut.

    His resignation is suspected to be in relation to the corruption scandal.

    Word by Word: Resignation him-self suspected concerning with scandal corruption that.

    This shows a logical or thematic link between two events (the resignation and the scandal).

  4. Pihak universitas mengeluarkan kebijakan baru berkenaan dengan biaya kuliah.

    The university issued a new policy concerning tuition fees.

    Word by Word: Side university issue policy new concerning with cost college.

    A typical academic/administrative use of the phrase to define the scope of a policy.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the preposition 'dengan'.

    Berkenaan hal itu, kami setuju.
    Berkenaan dengan hal itu, kami setuju.

    For the concerning construction taught here, keep dengan before the topic. Berkenaan has other uses, so this is not a rule requiring dengan after every occurrence of the word.

  • Confusing 'berkenaan' with 'berkenan'.

    Presiden berkenaan hadir dalam acara tersebut.
    Presiden berkenan hadir dalam acara tersebut.

    'Berkenan' (without the -an suffix) is a high-honorific verb meaning 'to be pleased to.' 'Berkenaan' is the connector meaning 'concerning.'

  • Using it in casual conversation.

    Aku mau bicara berkenaan dengan film tadi.
    Aku mau bicara tentang film tadi.

    Tentang is a simpler choice for an everyday topic. Berkenaan dengan adds a formal tone that may be unnecessary, but can be used deliberately in conversation.

How It Connects

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

berkenaan denganLevel 5Concerning with Berkenaan Dengan

Learn This First

To understand 'berkenaan dengan', learners need to be familiar with the 'ber-' prefix and the preposition 'dengan', as this formal connector is built from these components. It functions similarly to 'tentang' (about) but is used in more official or written contexts.

Words in This Pattern