layak di-
Worthy of Action
The pattern layak di- translates to 'worthy of being [action]' or 'deserves to be [action]'. It is used to evaluate the merit or suitability of a subject for a particular outcome.
How It Works
The pattern layak di- is a standard evaluative construction, common in formal writing, used to indicate that a subject merits a specific action. While it is frequently used for positive recognition, it can also describe a negative consequence such as punishment as deserved. It does not inherently mean a beneficial outcome.
Key Characteristics:
- Patient-Subject Model: The verb following layak typically takes the passive form (di-) because the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action.
- Register: It is highly common in journalism, academic writing, and formal critiques. In casual speech, speakers also use pantas for deservingness. Bisa expresses possibility or ability, so replacing layak with it can change the meaning.
- Technical Variant 'Laik': In specific technical contexts—particularly transportation and safety—the variant laik is used to denote fitness or worthiness (e.g., laik jalan for roadworthy or laik terbang for airworthy).
- Root Word Compounds: In certain formal compound phrases, layak can be followed directly by a verb root or base form, omitting the passive prefix entirely (e.g., layak huni meaning 'fit for habitation' or layak pakai meaning 'fit for use').
- Optional Preposition: You may see layak untuk di-, but in professional writing, the untuk is often omitted for conciseness.
- Semantic Scope: Unlike 'worth' in English which can refer to monetary value, layak refers strictly to merit, status, or suitability.
Examples (4)
- Film ini sangat layak ditonton oleh semua umur.
This film is very much worth watching for all ages.
Word by Word: Film this very worthy be-watched by all age.
Layak ditonton evaluates the film as suitable to watch; oleh semua umur refers to viewers of all ages. The sentence presents suitability, not necessarily a judgment that the film is excellent.
- Tindakan korupsi tersebut merupakan kejahatan yang layak dihukum berat.
That act of corruption is a crime worthy of being severely punished.
Word by Word: Act corruption that is crime which worthy be-punished heavy.
This demonstrates the neutral use of 'layak', where the subject deserves a negative consequence due to its nature.
- Bahasa Indonesia layak diperjuangkan sebagai salah satu bahasa resmi internasional.
Indonesian is worthy of being fought for as one of the official international languages.
Word by Word: Language Indonesia worthy be-fought-for as one one language official international.
The sentence advocates Indonesian as worthy of being promoted as an international official language; it does not assert that this status has already been achieved.
- Unit mobil bekas ini masih sangat layak dipertimbangkan.
This used car unit is still very much worthy of consideration.
Word by Word: Unit car used this still very worthy be-considered.
Commonly used in reviews to indicate that an item meets the standards required for a buyer's attention.
Common Mistakes
Using the active voice (meN-) instead of the passive voice (di-).
Buku ini layak membaca.Buku ini layak dibaca.For the intended meaning that this book is worth reading, the book receives the action: layak dibaca. Layak membaca instead presents its subject as the reader. This patient-subject model does not mean every expression with layak needs di-, as fixed phrases such as layak huni show.
Using layak directly before an amount to state a price.
Sepatu ini layak seratus ribu rupiah.Sepatu ini seharga seratus ribu rupiah.To state the price, use seharga seratus ribu rupiah. Layak evaluates suitability, so it is not a direct price marker before that amount. It can describe a price as appropriate in a phrase such as harga yang layak.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'layak di-', a learner must first be comfortable with the Indonesian passive voice ('di-') and how adjectives like 'layak' can serve as predicates for a noun. This pattern combines an evaluative adjective with a passive verb to describe something as 'worthy of being [verb-ed]'.
- Adjectives can be predicates
The word 'layak' (worthy/fitting) functions as an adjective predicate in this construction, requiring knowledge of how adjectives describe subjects without a copula.
Level 1 - Passive with omitted actor
This pattern typically omits the actor, focusing on the worthiness of the action itself, which relies on understanding how passive verbs function without an explicit agent.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- di-Basic Passive with Di-
The di- passive makes the subject the receiver of the action in layak dibaca. Other established layak expressions, such as layak huni, do not use this prefix.
Level 2 - patut di-Normative Evaluation with Patut
A close synonym that implies a moral 'should' or normative evaluation.
Level 5 - perlu di-Necessary or Recommended Passive Action
Similar structure used to indicate that an action 'needs' to be done to the subject.
Level 5 - dapat di-Formal Possibility Passive
Similar structure used to indicate that an action 'can' be done (possibility) rather than 'should' be done (merit).
Level 5 - untukFor with Untuk
The preposition 'untuk' is sometimes used as a bridge: 'layak untuk di-'.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice layak di- in Bubblegum
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