di- / di
Passive Prefix Versus Location Preposition
In Indonesian, the sound 'di' has two distinct functions: as a passive prefix (attached to verbs) and as a locative preposition (separated from nouns). Distinguishing them is a core rule of Indonesian spelling (EYD).
How It Works
The spelling difference reflects two grammatical functions: a bound verb prefix and an independent preposition.
1. The Passive Prefix (di-)
The prefix di- is used to change a sentence from active to passive voice. It is always attached directly to the root verb without a space. It does not cause any nasalization or changes to the root word.
- tulis (write) → ditulis (written)
- baca (read) → dibaca (read [passive])
2. The Locative Preposition (di)
The preposition di indicates a location or the site of an activity ('in', 'at', or 'on'). It must always be followed by a space before the noun or location word.
- kantor (office) → di kantor (at the office)
- sini (here) → di sini (here)
3. Key Differences
- Function: The prefix creates a verb; the preposition creates a location phrase.
- Spacing: Prefix = No space; Preposition = Space.
- Usage with People/Time: Pada is the clear standard model for a specific time, as in pada jam lima. This is not a blanket ban on nonphysical di: established expressions include di saat yang sama. The choice of preposition is separate from the spacing rule.
Examples (4)
- Buku itu dibaca oleh Budi.
The book is read by Budi.
Word by Word: Book that [passive]-read by Budi.
Here, 'dibaca' is a passive verb, so the prefix 'di-' is attached directly to the root 'baca'.
- Buku itu ada di meja.
The book is on the table.
Word by Word: Book that exist at table.
In this case, 'di' is a preposition indicating location, so it is followed by a space.
- Surat itu ditulis di kantor.
The letter was written at the office.
Word by Word: Letter that [passive]-write at office.
This example shows both: 'ditulis' (passive verb, no space) and 'di kantor' (location, with space).
- Di mana kamu tinggal?
Where do you live?
Word by Word: At where you live?
The word for 'where' (di mana) is a prepositional phrase and must always have a space.
Common Mistakes
Writing the location preposition without a space.
Saya tinggal dirumah.Saya tinggal di rumah.Even though it sounds like one word, 'di' as a preposition for location must be separated from the noun 'rumah'.
Adding a space between the passive prefix and the verb.
Nasi itu di makan oleh saya.Nasi itu dimakan oleh saya.The passive marker 'di-' is a prefix, not a separate word, so it must be attached to the verb 'makan'.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- di-Basic Passive with Di-
This is the specific grammatical function of the 'di-' prefix when attached to verbs.
Level 2 - diLocation with Di
This is the specific grammatical function of 'di' when used as a separate word for locations.
Level 1 - di manaWhere with Di Mana
The question word for 'where' follows the prepositional spacing rule.
Level 1 - keDirection with Ke
Like 'di', the direction preposition 'ke' is also written with a space before the destination.
Level 1 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
The active counterpart to the 'di-' passive prefix; unlike 'di-', 'meN-' often changes the root word's first letter.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice di- / di in Bubblegum
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