belajar

Irregular Ber- Form Belajar

Level 2

Belajar is the most common irregular verb in Malay. While it looks like a standard ber- prefix verb, the 'r' changes to 'l' (bel- + ajar). It means 'to learn' or 'to study'.

How It Works

In Malay, the prefix ber- usually follows specific rules: it becomes be- if the root starts with 'r' or if the first syllable contains 'er'. Belajar (from the root ajar) is a rare exception where the 'r' changes to 'l'.

Key characteristics include:

  • The 'bel-' Irregularity: There are only two primary words in modern Malay that use this form: belajar (to learn) and belunjur (to stretch one's legs).
  • Intransitive Status: Unlike meN- verbs, belajar is intransitive. The noun following it (like 'bahasa') is a complement, not a direct object.
  • No Passive Form: Because it is intransitive, you cannot passivize it (e.g., 'dibelajar' is incorrect). To say 'is studied', you must use the transitive derivative dipelajari.
  • Distinction from 'mengajar': Do not confuse belajar (to learn/study) with mengajar (to teach), which uses the active transitive prefix.

Examples (4)

  1. Saya sedang belajar bahasa Melayu.

    I am currently learning the Malay language.

    Word by Word: I [progressive marker] learn language Malay.

    In this sentence, 'bahasa Melayu' acts as a complement (pelengkap) to the intransitive verb belajar. It cannot be turned into a passive sentence.

  2. Adik saya belajar di perpustakaan setiap petang.

    My younger sibling studies at the library every afternoon.

    Word by Word: Younger-sibling I learn at library every afternoon.

    Here, belajar is used without a complement to describe the general act of studying in a location.

  3. Kita perlu belajar daripada kesilapan lalu.

    We need to learn from past mistakes.

    Word by Word: We (inclusive) need learn from mistake past.

    This demonstrates using belajar with a prepositional phrase to indicate the source of learning.

  4. Dia mahu belajar berenang.

    He wants to learn how to swim.

    Word by Word: He want learn swim.

    Belajar can be followed by another verb acting as a complement to indicate learning a specific skill.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the non-existent regular form 'berajar'.

    Saya mahu berajar.
    Saya mahu belajar.

    Learners often try to apply standard prefix rules to the root 'ajar', but 'belajar' is a mandatory irregular form.

  • Confusing 'belajar' (to learn) with 'mengajar' (to teach).

    Cikgu belajar saya bahasa Melayu.
    Cikgu mengajar saya bahasa Melayu.

    Even though they share the root 'ajar', 'belajar' is the student's action, while 'mengajar' is the teacher's action.

How It Connects

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

belajarLevel 2Irregular Ber- Form Belajar

Learn This First

To understand 'belajar', you first need to be familiar with the 'ber-' prefix system used for activity verbs. 'Belajar' is a specific irregular case where the prefix 'ber-' changes to 'bel-' before the root 'ajar'. Understanding basic sentence structure is also necessary to use the verb correctly.

Words in This Pattern

ber-