dilarang (untuk) + Verb
Formal Prohibition Patterns
Dilarang is the formal way to say 'it is prohibited.' It is the passive form of melarang (to prohibit). It appears on signs (Dilarang masuk) and in legal documents (Dilarang untuk...).
How It Works
1. Dilarang + Verb (Direct Prohibition)
This is the most common form for public signage and short instructions. In this context, the verb often appears in its base form or with the meN- prefix.
- Dilarang merokok (Smoking prohibited)
- Dilarang parkir (No parking)
2. Dilarang untuk + Verb (Legal/Formal)
The addition of untuk is common in 'Bahasa Hukum' (Legal Indonesian). It acts as a bridge to specify the scope of the prohibition. While some consider it redundant, it is standard in contracts and laws to clarify long, complex clauses.
3. Common Collocations
To emphasize the severity of a rule, the adverb keras (hard/strictly) is frequently added: Dilarang keras merokok di area ini (Smoking is strictly prohibited in this area). This is a standard collocation in formal warnings.
4. Morphological Nuances
- Prefix Retention: In formal writing, transitive verbs should keep their meN- prefix (e.g., dilarang membuang vs. the sign-style dilarang buang).
- Passive Follow-up: Dilarang untuk is often followed by a di- passive verb to indicate that an object must not be subjected to an action (e.g., dilarang untuk diperjualbelikan - prohibited from being traded).
5. Register and Usage
This pattern is common in notices and can also be used deliberately in conversation. For a straightforward statement of permission, use tidak boleh for general 'not allowed' situations.
Examples (5)
- Dilarang merokok di area ini.
Smoking is prohibited in this area.
Word by Word: Prohibited smoke at area this.
A standard public sign using the direct 'dilarang + verb' pattern.
- Setiap orang dilarang untuk memberikan keterangan palsu.
Every person is prohibited from providing false information.
Word by Word: Every person prohibited for give information false.
A legalistic sentence using 'untuk' to bridge the subject and the prohibited action.
- Dokumen ini dilarang untuk difotokopi tanpa izin.
This document is prohibited from being photocopied without permission.
Word by Word: Document this prohibited for be-photocopied without permission.
Demonstrates 'dilarang untuk' followed by a passive verb (di-), common in administrative rules.
- Dilarang membuang sampah di sungai.
It is prohibited to throw trash in the river.
Word by Word: Prohibited [active]-throw trash in river.
Uses the meN- prefix (membuang) which is preferred in formal written notices over the bare root (buang).
- Pengunjung dilarang masuk ke ruangan ini.
Visitors are prohibited from entering this room.
Word by Word: Visitor prohibited enter to room this.
A direct prohibition often seen on doors in office buildings or hospitals.
Common Mistakes
Using 'dilarang' and 'jangan' together (Pleonasm).
Dilarang jangan merokok.Dilarang merokok.'Dilarang' already implies a negative command. Adding 'jangan' (don't) is redundant and ungrammatical.
Writing 'di larang' with a space.
Di larang parkir di sini.Dilarang parkir di sini.The 'di-' in 'dilarang' is a passive verb prefix, not a location preposition. It must be attached to the root word.
Adding a final h to the verb membawa.
Dilarang membawah senjata tajam.Dilarang membawa senjata tajam.The verb carrying is membawa, from bawa, with no final h. The full phrase explicitly identifies the prohibited action. Short signs may omit recoverable material; this does not imply that melarang or its passive can never concern a noun or person.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'dilarang untuk' and 'dilarang + verb', learners first need to recognize the passive prefix 'di-' used in 'dilarang'. They should also be familiar with the preposition 'untuk' used to link verbs, and the basic concept of prohibition in Indonesian, typically first learned through the word 'jangan'.
- di-Basic Passive with Di-
The word 'dilarang' is the passive form of 'larang' (to forbid), so understanding the di- passive prefix is essential.
Level 2 - untukFor with Untuk
The pattern 'dilarang untuk' uses 'untuk' as a linker to the following action, requiring knowledge of its function as a purpose marker.
Level 1 - janganNegative Commands with Jangan
Understanding the basic imperative prohibition 'jangan' provides the functional foundation for learning the more formal 'dilarang' patterns.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- boleh + VerbPermission with Boleh
Boleh (allowed) is the positive counterpart; its negation 'tidak boleh' is a less formal way to express prohibition.
Level 1 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
Transitive verbs following dilarang in formal writing typically retain their meN- active prefixes.
Level 2 - di- / diPassive Prefix Versus Location Preposition
Understanding the difference between the passive prefix (dilarang) and the preposition (di sini) is crucial for correct spelling.
Level 2