ber- (memakai)

Wearing or Using with Ber-

Level 2

The prefix ber- transforms a noun into an intransitive verb meaning 'to wear' or 'to use' that specific item. It describes a state or condition rather than the physical act of putting something on.

How It Works

In Indonesian, the prefix ber- is highly versatile. One of its most common functions is to indicate that a subject is currently in the state of wearing or using an item.

1. Clothing and Accessories
When used with clothing, it means 'to be wearing.' For example, berkacamata means 'to be wearing glasses.' Unlike the verb memakai (to wear/use), which is transitive and requires an object (e.g., memakai baju merah), ber- forms are intransitive. You can still add descriptions using adjectives: Dia berbaju merah (She is wearing a red shirt).

2. Modes of Transport
When used with vehicles, it means 'to travel by' or 'to use.' Bersepeda means 'to cycle' or 'to be on a bicycle.'

3. Phonological Rules
The prefix usually stays as ber-, with be- in established patterns such as r-initial roots and bekerja. Learn particular forms with er in the root instead of applying an unconditional spelling rule. There is also the unique form belajar (to study).

4. Register
This is standard Indonesian. In very casual speech, people might just use the root word or pakai, and the ber- form is a standard alternative. Pakai baju can also communicate clearly in its appropriate setting.

Examples (5)

  1. Pencuri itu berbaju hitam.

    The thief is wearing a black shirt.

    Word by Word: Thief that wear-shirt black.

    Here, 'berbaju' (ber- + baju) describes the state of the thief wearing a shirt.

  2. Adik pergi ke sekolah dengan bersepeda.

    Little sibling goes to school by cycling.

    Word by Word: Younger sibling goes to school by cycling.

    Using 'bersepeda' (ber- + sepeda) indicates the mode of transport being used.

  3. Dia sudah berkacamata sejak kecil.

    He has worn glasses since he was little.

    Word by Word: He already wear-glasses since small.

    This describes a habitual state or condition of wearing an accessory.

  4. Siswa itu harus berseragam lengkap.

    That student must wear a full uniform.

    Word by Word: Student that must wear-uniform complete.

    The noun 'seragam' (uniform) becomes the verb 'berseragam'.

  5. Ayah ke kantor bermotor.

    Father goes to the office by motorcycle.

    Word by Word: Father to office wear-motorcycle.

    Using 'bermotor' indicates the use of a motorized vehicle for travel.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding a redundant direct object after the ber- verb.

    Saya bersepatu sepatu hitam.
    Saya bersepatu hitam.

    The word 'sepatu' is already inside the verb 'bersepatu'. You only need to add the adjective 'hitam' to describe it.

  • Separating ber- from its base.

    Dia ber baju hitam.
    Dia berbaju hitam.

    Write berbaju as one word. Beranak is also grammatical but means having children or giving birth; it does not mean wearing children’s clothes. The meaning depends on the base and established verb.

How It Connects

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

ber- (memakai)Level 2Wearing or Using with Ber-

Learn This First

To understand how the ber- prefix is used to indicate wearing or using something, you first need to be familiar with the basic mechanics of the ber- prefix and how Indonesian sentences are structured using subject-verb order.

Words in This Pattern

ber-