meN-...-kan
Causative MeN-...-kan
The meN-...-kan circumfix turns roots into transitive verbs that either cause a change in the object or indicate the action is done for a beneficiary.
How It Works
The meN-...-kan circumfix serves three primary functions in Malay:
1. Causative Function: It causes the object to enter a specific state or perform an action. For example, taking the adjective panas (hot) and turning it into memanaskan (to heat/make hot).
2. Benefactive Function: It indicates that the action is performed for someone else. In these cases, the beneficiary usually follows the verb directly. For example, membelikan (to buy for someone).
3. Transitivizing Function: it turns intransitive roots or even nouns into transitive verbs that take an object. For example, menduakan (to make two/to cheat) from dua (two).
Morphology (Nasal Assimilation):
The prefix meN- changes based on the first letter of the root:
- me-: Before l, m, n, r, w, y.
- mem-: Before b, f, v and replaces p.
- men-: Before c, d, j, z and replaces t.
- meng-: Before vowels and g, h, and replaces k.
- meny-: Replaces s.
- menge-: For one-syllable roots (e.g., lap → mengelapkan).
Register Note: In formal writing (Bahasa Baku), the full meN-...-kan is required. In casual speech, the meN- is often dropped, but the -kan suffix remains to keep the meaning clear.
Examples (4)
- Ibu memanaskan sup di dapur.
Mother is heating the soup in the kitchen.
Word by Word: Mother [causative]-hot-kan soup at kitchen.
Here, 'memanaskan' is the causative form of 'panas' (hot), meaning 'to make hot'.
- Dia membelikan adiknya sebuah buku.
He bought a book for his younger sibling.
Word by Word: He [benefactive]-buy-kan younger-sibling-his one-fruit book.
The suffix -kan makes 'membeli' (to buy) benefactive, showing the action is for the sibling.
- Cikgu menjelaskan masalah itu kepada kami.
The teacher explained the problem to us.
Word by Word: Teacher [causative]-clear-kan problem that to us.
From 'jelas' (clear), 'menjelaskan' means 'to make clear' or 'to explain'.
- Syarikat itu mengeluarkan produk baru.
The company released a new product.
Word by Word: Company that [causative]-out-kan product new.
From 'keluar' (to go out), 'mengeluarkan' means 'to cause to go out' or 'to produce/release'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'untuk' (for) with a benefactive -kan verb.
Saya membelikan untuk dia buku.Saya membelikan dia buku.When using the benefactive -kan, the recipient should follow the verb directly without the preposition 'untuk'.
Failing to drop the initial K, P, T, or S when adding the prefix.
Dia mengkecilkan volume.Dia mengecilkan volume.The root 'kecil' starts with 'k', which must be replaced by the 'ng' sound in the 'meng-' allomorph.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the causative meN-...-kan pattern, you must first be familiar with the meN- prefix system for active verbs and the general role of the -kan suffix in changing verb valency. Additionally, since many causative verbs are derived from adjectives to describe 'causing a state', familiarity with basic adjective usage is required.
- -kanBasic -kan Valency Change
Understanding the basic valency-changing function of the -kan suffix is essential before learning its specific causative use.
Level 2 - Adjectives can be predicates
Causative meN-...-kan often derives from adjectives (e.g., panas to memanaskan), so understanding how adjectives function as predicates is necessary.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- meN-...-iLocative MeN-...-i
While -kan often involves moving or changing an object, -i usually focuses on a stationary location or target.
Level 3 - di-...-kanPassive Causative or Benefactive
This is the passive counterpart to the active meN-...-kan form.
Level 4 - memper-...-kanComplex Memper-...-kan Verbs
A more complex causative circumfix often used with nouns to mean 'to treat as' or 'to cause to be'.
Level 4 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
The foundational prefix used in this circumfix to mark active transitive verbs.
Level 2 - menge-Menge- with One-syllable Roots
The specific allomorph used when the root word has only one syllable.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice meN-...-kan in Bubblegum
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