-mu

Second-person Suffix -mu

Level 1

The suffix -mu is the short form of kamu (you). It is attached directly to the end of words to mean 'your' or 'you'.

How It Works

The suffix -mu is a versatile and essential part of everyday Indonesian. Here is how to use it correctly:

  • Writing Rule: Ordinarily attach it to the preceding word without a space; the divine-reference spelling -Mu uses a hyphen, as described below. For example, nama mu is incorrect; it must be namamu.
  • Register: It is used in neutral to informal situations, such as with friends, family, or people of similar status. In very formal contexts or when speaking to superiors, Indonesians prefer using titles like Bapak or Ibu instead.
  • Referencing God: When writing about a Deity, the suffix is capitalized and preceded by a hyphen: -Mu (e.g., Kasih-Mu = Your love).
  • Singular vs. Plural: -mu is primarily used for a single person. While it can occasionally refer to a group in literature or songs, it is best to use the full word kalian when you want to be clear that you are addressing more than one person.

Examples (5)

  1. Siapa namamu?

    What is your name?

    Word by Word: Who name-your?

    Here, -mu is attached to the noun 'nama' (name) to indicate possession.

  2. Aku akan menjemputmu jam tujuh.

    I will pick you up at seven o'clock.

    Word by Word: I will pick-up-you hour seven.

    In this sentence, -mu acts as the object of the verb 'menjemput' (to pick up).

  3. Ini hadiah untukmu.

    This is a gift for you.

    Word by Word: This gift for-you.

    -mu can also be attached to prepositions like 'untuk' (for).

  4. Di mana rumahmu?

    Where is your house?

    Word by Word: At where house-your?

    A common way to ask for location using the possessive suffix.

  5. Dia sangat menyukaimu.

    He/she likes you very much.

    Word by Word: He/she very like-you.

    The suffix -mu is attached to the verb 'menyukai' (to like) as the object.

Common Mistakes

  • Writing -mu as a separate word.

    Ini buku mu.
    Ini bukumu.

    Ordinary -mu is joined to its host: bukumu. The special spelling for a divine addressee uses a hyphen and capital M, as in kasih-Mu.

  • Using -mu with a superior or stranger.

    Bapak, di mana mobilmu?
    Bapak, di mana mobil Bapak?

    Mobil Bapak maintains the respectful address already chosen in the example. Familiar -mu can clash with that stance, but appropriateness depends on the relationship and local practice, not rank alone. Use a title when that is the intended respectful form.

How It Connects

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

-muLevel 1Second-person Suffix -mu

Learn This First

To understand the suffix -mu, you first need to know the full pronoun kamu and the general rule that possessors follow the noun they modify in Indonesian.

Words in This Pattern

-mumu