meN-...-i (berulang)
Repeated or Intensive -i
The meN-...-i circumfix creates transitive verbs with four main functions: marking a location as the object, showing repeated/intensive action, applying a substance to something, or making an intransitive word transitive.
How It Works
The meN-...-i circumfix is a standard (baku) way to build transitive verbs. While the meN- prefix is often dropped in casual speech, it is also mandatory to drop the prefix in formal object voice constructions while retaining the -i suffix (e.g., Sup itu saya garami). For third-person actors, the formal passive counterpart is the di-...-i form (e.g., Sup itu digarami olehnya). In colloquial contexts, the suffix is sometimes replaced by -in, which replaces both -i and -kan, so the same informal suffix can correspond to either standard suffix. The intended meaning still depends on the verb, its objects, and context; semantic distinctions do not simply disappear. It serves several primary functions:
- Iterative, Distributed, and Intensive: It can show repetition, intensity, or an action distributed across several objects or actors. Memukul (to hit) becomes memukuli (to hit repeatedly or beat up), while menandatangani surat-surat describes signing multiple letters.
- Locative and Preposition Replacement: It indicates the action is directed toward a stationary object or place. The -i suffix often absorbs or replaces prepositions like di, ke, or kepada. For example, masuk ke kamar (to enter into the room) becomes memasuki kamar. This differs from -kan, which usually implies moving the object. Crucially, -i makes the recipient or location the direct object, whereas -kan makes the theme (the thing being moved) the direct object.
- Applying or Removing: The direction depends on the lexicalized verb and its context. Garam becomes menggarami ('apply salt to'), while kulit becomes menguliti ('remove the skin from'). It is not safe to infer the direction mechanically: menguliti buku, for example, can mean adding a cover to a book.
- Transitivizing Adjectives and Directed Emotion: With some adjectives, the form causes an object to acquire a quality, as in basah → membasahi ('wet something'). Other verbs are lexicalized differently: memarahi means 'scold or be angry at someone,' whereas the distinct causative memarahkan means 'make someone angry.'
Note on Spelling: Standard nasal assimilation rules apply to the base word, including the dropping of initial K, P, T, and S sounds (e.g., tulis becomes menulisi). Additionally, if the base word already ends in the letter -i, the suffix is not added. For example, isi (contents) becomes mengisi (to fill), not mengisii.
Examples (5)
- Ibu menggarami sup itu agar lebih gurih.
Mother salted the soup so it would be more savory.
Word by Word: Mother [meN-salt-i] soup that so-that more savory.
This demonstrates the 'Giving/Applying' function, where the noun 'garam' (salt) is applied to the object.
- Mereka menduduki kursi-kursi di taman.
They sat on the chairs in the park.
Word by Word: They [meN-sit-i] chair-chair in park.
This is the 'Locative' function, where the action of sitting is directed at a stationary object (the chairs).
- Polisi menembaki para perampok yang melarikan diri.
The police repeatedly shot at the robbers who were fleeing.
Word by Word: Police [meN-shoot-i] [plural marker] robber who [meN-run self].
This shows the 'Iterative' function, indicating that multiple shots were fired rather than just one.
- Penebang itu menebangi pohon-pohon di hutan.
The logger chopped down the trees in the forest.
Word by Word: Logger that [meN-chop-i] tree-tree in forest.
The suffix -i indicates the action was performed repeatedly on multiple objects (many trees).
- Dia memandangi lukisan itu selama satu jam.
He gazed at that painting for one hour.
Word by Word: He [meN-look-i] painting that for one hour.
The suffix -i here indicates an intensive, prolonged action (gazing) rather than a simple glance.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 'meniduri' (to sleep with) with 'menidurkan' (to put to sleep).
Ibu meniduri anaknya di kamar.Ibu menidurkan anaknya di kamar.'Meniduri' means to sleep on something or have sex with someone. To put a child to sleep, you must use the causative -kan.
Using a preposition after a meN-...-i verb.
Kami mendatangi ke kantor itu.Kami mendatangi kantor itu.In mendatangi kantor itu, kantor itu is the direct object, so do not insert ke before it. This does not ban later location or time phrases: a verb in -i can still be followed by an object and then an adjunct, as in mendatangi temannya di kantor.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the repetitive or intensive use of the meN-...-i circumfix, a learner must first be comfortable with the active meN- prefix and the basic directional/locative function of the -i suffix. This pattern builds on those foundations by showing how the suffix can also indicate that an action is performed multiple times or with greater intensity upon a target.
Related Patterns
- Verbal reduplication
In casual speech, repeating the verb root is the more common way to show repeated action.
Level 2 - meN-...-kan / meN-...-iValency Contrast in Derived Verbs
These two suffixes are often contrasted; -i focuses on a stationary target, while -kan often focuses on a moved object.
Level 4 - di-...-iPassive Locative or Target Form
This is the passive counterpart of the meN-...-i form.
Level 4 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
The meN- prefix provides the active voice and follows specific nasalization rules used in this pattern.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice meN-...-i (berulang) in Bubblegum
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