meny-
The Meny- Form of MeN-
For a regular multisyllabic root beginning with s plus a vowel, meN- replaces s with ny, as in sapu → menyapu. Consonant clusters and monosyllabic patterns differ.
How It Works
In Indonesian, the meN- prefix changes its shape based on the first letter of the root word. This process is called nasal assimilation.
The Basic Rule:
For a regular multisyllabic root beginning with s followed by a vowel, the s is dropped (elided) and replaced with ny.
- sapu (broom) → menyapu (to sweep)
- sewa (rent) → menyewa (to rent)
- saring (filter) → menyaring (to filter)
Register and Usage:
Using the meny- form is essential for formal writing, professional contexts, and standard speech. In very casual conversation, speakers often drop the prefix entirely (e.g., saying "Saya sewa mobil" instead of "Saya menyewa mobil"), while standard verb forms remain useful across settings.
Exceptions (Consonant Clusters):
If the root starts with a consonant cluster (two consonants in a row like st, sk, or sp), the s is usually retained, and the prefix becomes men- instead.
- stabil → menstabilkan (to stabilize)
- stok → menstok (to stock), the s-cluster pattern illustrated in TBBI.
Examples (4)
- Ibu sedang menyapu lantai di ruang tamu.
Mother is sweeping the floor in the living room.
Word by Word: Mother [progressive marker] sweep floor at room guest.
The root 'sapu' (broom/sweep) starts with 's'. It changes to 'menyapu' to form the active verb.
- Perusahaan itu menyewa kantor baru di pusat kota.
That company is renting a new office in the city center.
Word by Word: Company that rent office new at center city.
The root 'sewa' (rent) becomes 'menyewa' in the active voice.
- Kita harus menyaring informasi sebelum membagikannya.
We must filter information before sharing it.
Word by Word: We must filter information before [active]-share-[it].
The root 'saring' (filter) becomes 'menyaring' to indicate the active action of filtering.
- Adik sedang menyikat gigi.
Little sibling is brushing [their] teeth.
Word by Word: Younger-sibling [progressive marker] brush tooth.
The root 'sikat' (brush) becomes 'menyikat' in its active verb form.
Common Mistakes
Retaining the 's' instead of dropping it.
Saya mensapu lantai.Saya menyapu lantai.In the regular multisyllabic root sapu, s is replaced with ny: menyapu, not mensapu. Do not extend this rule to every s-initial root regardless of its syllable structure.
Using 'men-' instead of 'meny-'.
Dia mensewa mobil.Dia menyewa mobil.The regular root sewa begins with s plus a vowel and takes menyewa. The rule is not for all s-initial roots: clusters and one-syllable roots have separate patterns.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the meny- allomorph, you first need to be familiar with the general meN- prefix system and how it functions to form active transitive verbs. It is also helpful to understand other allomorphs (like meng-) to recognize the pattern of how initial consonants in root words are replaced or modified when the prefix is added.
Related Patterns
- meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
The parent prefix that creates active transitive verbs.
Level 2 - mem-The Mem- Form of MeN-
The form used for roots starting with b, f, p, or v.
Level 2 - men-The Men- Form of MeN-
The form used for roots starting with c, d, j, t, or z.
Level 2 - peN-People and Tools with PeN-
The noun equivalent (e.g., menyewa = to rent; penyewa = renter) which follows the same 's' to 'ny' rule.
Level 2 - Root-initial s replacement
The specific phonological rule governing the replacement of the letter 's'.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice meny- in Bubblegum
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