mem-

The Mem- Form of MeN-

Level 2

The mem- prefix is a specific form of the meN- prefix used to create active verbs. It is triggered when a root word begins with the labial sounds b, f, v, or p.

How It Works

The mem- allomorph is a key variation of the Indonesian active verb system. It follows specific phonological rules based on the first letter of the root word:

  • Roots starting with B, F, V: The prefix is attached directly without changing the root. Examples: baca → membaca; foto → memfoto; vonis → memvonis.
  • Roots starting with P: If the p is followed by a vowel, the p disappears and is replaced by the nasal m. This applies to both native words and loanwords. This is known as p replacement. Examples: pilih → memilih; parkir (loanword) → memarkir.
  • Exceptions for P: The p is retained if it is part of a consonant cluster (like pr or pl), such as protes → memprotes. A major exception is the common verb mempunyai (from punya), where the p is kept despite being followed by a vowel.
  • Monosyllabic Roots: The regular standard pattern for a one-syllable root such as bom uses menge- (e.g., mengebom) instead of mem-.

In formal Indonesian (Bahasa Baku), these prefixes are standard for most transitive verbs, though there are common exceptions like makan (to eat) and minum (to drink). In casual conversation, they are often omitted.

Examples (5)

  1. Ibu sedang membaca buku.

    Mother is reading a book.

    Word by Word: Mother [progressive] read book.

    The root 'baca' (read) starts with 'b', so the prefix 'mem-' is added directly.

  2. Dia memilih baju yang merah.

    He/She chose the red clothes.

    Word by Word: He/She choose clothes which red.

    The root 'pilih' (choose) starts with 'p'. The 'p' is dropped and replaced by the 'm' in 'mem-'.

  3. Hakim memvonis pencuri itu.

    The judge sentenced that thief.

    Word by Word: Judge sentence thief that.

    The root 'vonis' (sentence) starts with 'v', so 'mem-' is attached without changing the root.

  4. Mahasiswa itu memprotes aturan baru.

    That student protested the new rule.

    Word by Word: Student that protest rule new.

    The root 'protes' starts with a 'pr' cluster, so the 'p' is retained instead of being dropped.

  5. Adik memfoto pemandangan gunung.

    Little sibling took a photo of the mountain view.

    Word by Word: Little-sibling take-photo view mountain.

    The root 'foto' starts with 'f', so 'mem-' is added directly.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to drop the 'p' in native roots.

    Saya mempukul bola.
    Saya memukul bola.

    For roots starting with 'p' followed by a vowel (like 'pukul'), the 'p' must be dropped and replaced by 'm'.

  • Using mem- for single-syllable words.

    Tentara membom jembatan.
    Tentara mengebom jembatan.

    The standard form taught in TBBI is mengebom. Membom is encountered in usage but TBBI classifies it as nonstandard; this example teaches the standard monosyllabic pattern, not what every speaker always says.

  • Dropping the 'p' in a consonant cluster.

    Pabrik itu memroses kayu.
    Pabrik itu memproses kayu.

    In the root 'proses', the 'p' is followed by 'r' (a cluster). In these cases, the 'p' is usually kept.

How It Connects

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mem-Level 2The Mem- Form of MeN-

Learn This First

To understand the mem- allomorph, you first need to be familiar with the general meN- prefix system used for active verbs. This specific pattern focuses on how that prefix changes its form when it encounters roots starting with 'b', 'f', 'v', or 'p'.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

meng-