dapat di-

Formal Possibility Passive

Level 5

The pattern dapat di- means "can be [verb]-ed." It is the standard way to express objective possibility or situational feasibility in formal Standard Malay.

How It Works

In formal Malaysian Malay, dapat di- is a crucial tool for academic, legal, and technical writing. It serves several functions:

  • Objective Possibility: It describes what is possible based on facts or circumstances, rather than a person's internal skill. For example, dapat dikesan (can be detected) implies the evidence allows for detection.
  • Procedural Instructions: It is used to explain what can be done within a system, such as dapat dimuat turun (can be downloaded).
  • Formal Distancing: By using the passive voice, the writer sounds more objective and professional, which is why it is common in phrases like dapat disimpulkan (it can be concluded).

Unlike the active form dapat [verb], which focuses on the agent's ability, dapat di- focuses on the subject's potential to undergo the action. Note that in formal Standard Malay, this is preferred over boleh di- when discussing logical possibility rather than permission.

Examples (4)

  1. Maklumat lanjut dapat diperoleh melalui risalah ini.

    Further information can be obtained through this brochure.

    Word by Word: Information further can be-obtained through brochure this.

    Here, 'dapat diperoleh' indicates that the brochure makes it possible for anyone to get the information.

  2. Masalah ini dapat diselesaikan dengan kerjasama semua pihak.

    This problem can be solved with the cooperation of all parties.

    Word by Word: Problem this can be-solved with cooperation all parties.

    This expresses situational feasibility; the solution is possible if everyone cooperates.

  3. Daripada kajian ini, dapat disimpulkan bahawa ekonomi semakin stabil.

    From this study, it can be concluded that the economy is becoming more stable.

    Word by Word: From study this, can be-concluded that economy increasingly stable.

    A classic academic usage where 'dapat disimpulkan' introduces a logical conclusion based on evidence.

  4. Borang tersebut dapat dimuat turun dari laman web rasmi.

    The form can be downloaded from the official website.

    Word by Word: Form mentioned can be-load down from page web official.

    Used in a technical/procedural context to show what actions are possible within a system.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a 1st or 2nd person agent directly after the 'di-' verb.

    Buku itu dapat dibaca saya.
    Buku itu dapat saya baca.

    In formal Malay, if the actor is 'I' or 'you', you should use the object voice (dapat saya baca) instead of the 'di-' prefix.

  • Adding 'dapat' to a ter- verb.

    Kotak itu dapat terangkat.
    Kotak itu dapat diangkat.

    The ter- prefix already carries the sense of being able, so 'dapat' is often unnecessary. 'Dapat diangkat' is the clear di- form for 'can be lifted' in formal writing.

How It Connects

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dapat di-Level 5Formal Possibility Passive

Learn This First

To understand 'dapat di-', you must first be familiar with the modal verb 'dapat' (can/be able to) and the basic passive prefix 'di-'. This pattern combines these two elements to express that an action is capable of being performed, often used in formal writing without specifying who is performing the action.

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Words in This Pattern

dapatdi-