Root-initial k replacement

Level 3

With regular roots beginning in k plus a vowel, the active meN- prefix takes meng- and replaces the root-initial k, as in kirim → mengirim. Check the exceptions below.

How It Works

The meN- prefix marks many standard active verbs; some standard verbs have no prefix. When applying it to roots starting with k, follow these specific rules:

  • Standard Rule: If the root starts with k + vowel, drop the k and use meng-.
    Example: kunci (lock) → mengunci.
  • One-Syllable Roots (Highest Priority): If the root is only one syllable, use the menge- allomorph. This rule takes precedence over consonant cluster rules.
    Example: klik (click) → mengeklik.
  • Consonant Clusters: If the k is followed by another consonant (like kr or kl), the k is retained.
    Example: kritik (criticize) → mengkritik.
  • The 'kh' Digraph: If the root starts with the kh digraph, the k is retained because the digraph is treated as a single unit.
    Example: khawatir (worry) → mengkhawatirkan.
  • Loanwords: Modern standard Indonesian generally drops the k in well-established loanwords (e.g., koleksi → mengoleksi).
  • Special Exception: The root kaji has two forms to distinguish meaning: mengaji (to recite the Quran) and mengkaji (to research/study).

Examples (6)

  1. Ibu sedang mengirim surat di kantor pos.

    Mother is sending a letter at the post office.

    Word by Word: Mother [progressive] send letter at office post.

    The root 'kirim' (send) starts with 'k'. When the prefix is added, 'k' is replaced by 'ng', resulting in 'mengirim'.

  2. Dia lupa mengunci pintu rumahnya.

    He forgot to lock his house door.

    Word by Word: He forget lock door house-his.

    The root 'kunci' (lock) follows the standard rule: the 'k' is dropped and replaced by 'ng'.

  3. Para ilmuwan sedang mengkaji data tersebut.

    The scientists are researching that data.

    Word by Word: Plural scientist [progressive] research data that.

    This is a specific exception. 'Mengkaji' retains the 'k' to distinguish it from 'mengaji' (to recite religious texts).

  4. Kita harus mengkritik ide itu dengan sopan.

    We must criticize that idea politely.

    Word by Word: We must criticize idea that with polite.

    The root 'kritik' starts with a consonant cluster 'kr', so the 'k' is retained: 'mengkritik'.

  5. Hal itu sangat mengkhawatirkan saya.

    That matter really worries me.

    Word by Word: Matter that very worry-causative I.

    The root 'khawatir' starts with the 'kh' digraph. In this case, the 'k' is never dropped and the prefix 'meng-' is simply added.

  6. Saya sedang mengepak barang-barang saya.

    I am packing my things.

    Word by Word: I [progressive] pack things-plural I.

    The root 'pak' (pack) is one syllable. The one-syllable rule takes precedence over other rules, using the 'menge-' prefix.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to drop the 'k' in native Indonesian roots.

    Saya sedang mengkirim surat.
    Saya sedang mengirim surat.

    In standard Indonesian, the 'k' must be dropped for native roots like 'kirim'.

  • Dropping the 'k' in a consonant cluster.

    Dia sedang mengritik buku itu.
    Dia sedang mengkritik buku itu.

    When 'k' is followed by another consonant (like 'r' in 'kritik'), the 'k' is not dropped.

  • Using 'meng-' instead of 'menge-' for one-syllable words.

    Dia sedang mengklik tombol ini.
    Dia sedang mengeklik tombol ini.

    One-syllable roots like 'klik' require the 'menge-' allomorph.

How It Connects

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

Root-initial k replacementLevel 3

Learn This First

To understand why the initial 'k' in a root word is replaced, you must first be familiar with the general 'meN-' prefix system and the 'meng-' allomorph, which is the specific form used when a root starts with a 'k' sound.

Words in This Pattern

meng-