Root-initial p replacement

Level 3

Ordinary multisyllabic pattern: meN- + p before a vowel → mem-, with p replaced. Compare pukul → memukul; this is not an exceptionless rule for every p-initial form.

How It Works

The prefix meN- changes its form based on the first letter of the root word. When a root starts with p, the following rules apply:

  • Standard Elision: If the root starts with p followed by a vowel, the p is dropped and replaced by m (e.g., pukul → memukul, parkir → memarkir).
  • Consonant Clusters: If the p is followed by another consonant (like pr or pl), the p is not dropped (e.g., proses → memproses).
  • The Punya Forms: Mempunyai is an established form used throughout TBBI. Memunyai also occurs in official language publications and has been explicitly advocated in one; do not label that documented alternative a universal error.
  • Prefix Retention: In the established forms taught here, p is retained as part of a prefix rather than treated as root-initial p. This includes the memper- prefix (e.g., memperbaiki) and the word mempelajari (where p is part of the pel- prefix).
  • Monosyllabic Roots: One-syllable roots use menge- (e.g., pel → mengepel).

In casual conversation, the prefix is often omitted, but using the correct replacement is essential to become proficient in formal writing.

Mempelajari and Documented Variation: Mempelajari is the established form used in TBBI and in the examples here, related to the belajar/pelajar family. Memelajari is also found in official educational publications. Learn mempelajari as the lesson model without classifying every alternative derivational analysis as a typographical error.

Examples (5)

  1. Perusahaan itu mempunyai banyak karyawan.

    That company has many employees.

    Word by Word: Company that have many employee.

    Mempunyai is an established retained-p form. The alternative memunyai is documented in other official language publications; this example teaches the retained-p model.

  2. Siswa sedang mempelajari sejarah.

    The students are studying history.

    Word by Word: Student [progressive] study history.

    Mempelajari is related to the belajar/pelajar family and retains p in the model taught here; official educational prose also attests memelajari.

  3. Dia sedang memotret pemandangan itu.

    He/she is taking a photo of that scenery.

    Word by Word: He/she [progressive] take-photo scenery that.

    The root is 'potret'. Since 'p' is followed by a vowel, it is replaced by 'm' to form 'memotret'.

  4. Kita harus memproses data ini segera.

    We must process this data immediately.

    Word by Word: We must process data this immediately.

    The root is 'proses'. Because 'p' is followed by 'r' (a consonant cluster), the 'p' is retained.

  5. Ibu memakai baju baru.

    Mother is wearing a new shirt.

    Word by Word: Mother wear shirt new.

    The root is 'pakai'. The 'p' is replaced by 'm' to form 'memakai'.

Common Mistakes

  • Dropping the 'p' in consonant clusters.

    Perusahaan itu memroses data.
    Perusahaan itu memproses data.

    In words like 'proses', the 'p' is followed by 'r'. In clusters, the 'p' should be preserved.

How It Connects

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

Root-initial p replacementLevel 3

Learn This First

To understand why the initial 'p' in a root word disappears or is replaced, you must first be familiar with the basic meN- active verb prefix and its standard 'mem-' allomorph used with words starting with labial sounds.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

meng-