-kan / -i

Choosing -kan or -i

Level 3

In formal Malay, -kan and -i change the focus of a verb. Use -kan when the object is the thing being given or moved. Use -i when the object is the person or place receiving the action.

How It Works

Malay uses these suffixes to manage transitivity and focus. While both create transitive verbs, they are not interchangeable.

1. The -kan Suffix (Theme/Causative/Benefactive Focus)
When you use meN-...-kan, the direct object is usually the Theme—the item being transferred. It often carries a causative meaning ('to cause something to be...').

Crucially, -kan also has a Benefactive function. In this benefactive construction, the person for whom the action is done becomes the direct object, creating a double-object structure (e.g., membelikan ibu bunga - to buy mother flowers).

2. The -i Suffix (Goal/Locative Focus)
When you use meN-...-i, the direct object is the Goal or Location—the entity that stays still while the action is directed at it. It can also imply repeated or intensive action.
Additionally, -i is used for emotional or internal states directed at an object (e.g., mencintai from cinta).

3. Key Differences

  • Prepositions: Verbs with -kan often require a preposition like kepada (to) for the recipient if the item is the object. Verbs with -i do not need a preposition for the recipient because the recipient is the object.
  • Movement: Generally, -kan implies the object moves or is used as a tool, while -i implies the object is the destination or the target of a feeling.
  • Register: These suffixes are essential for Standard/Formal Malay but are often dropped in casual conversation.

Examples (6)

  1. Dia menghadiahkan sebuah jam tangan kepada ayahnya.

    He gave a watch as a gift to his father.

    Word by Word: He give-as-gift a-unit clock hand to father-his.

    Here, -kan is used because the direct object is 'jam tangan' (the watch), which is the item being moved/given.

  2. Dia menghadiahi ayahnya sebuah jam tangan.

    He presented his father with a watch.

    Word by Word: He give-gift-to father-his a-unit clock hand.

    Here, -i is used because the direct object is 'ayahnya' (the father), who is the recipient of the action.

  3. Ayah membukakan adik pintu.

    Father opened the door for my younger sibling.

    Word by Word: Father open-for younger-sibling door.

    This demonstrates the benefactive function of -kan. The beneficiary (adik) becomes the direct object, followed by the item (pintu).

  4. Siti menghidangkan nasi lemak kepada tetamu.

    Siti served nasi lemak to the guests.

    Word by Word: Siti serve nasi lemak to guest.

    Using -kan focuses on the food (nasi lemak) being placed on the table.

  5. Siti menghidangi tetamu nasi lemak.

    Siti served the guests nasi lemak.

    Word by Word: Siti serve-to guest nasi lemak.

    Using -i focuses on the guests who are receiving the service.

  6. Polis memasuki bangunan itu.

    The police entered the building.

    Word by Word: Police enter building that.

    The suffix -i is used here for a locative meaning, where the building is the 'Goal' or location being entered.

Common Mistakes

  • Using -kan with a human recipient as the direct object.

    Saya menghidangkan tetamu.
    Saya menghidangi tetamu.

    Using -kan makes the object the 'Theme'. 'Menghidangkan tetamu' literally implies you are serving the guests as if they were the food on the plate!

  • Using a preposition after a -i verb.

    Dia menemui kepada Cik Siti.
    Dia menemui Cik Siti.

    Verbs ending in -i already incorporate the 'direction' or 'target' into the verb itself, so adding a preposition like 'kepada' (to) is redundant.

Words in This Pattern

-kan-i