-nya (objek)
Object Pronoun -nya
The suffix -nya is a bound form of the third-person pronoun. It attaches to the end of verbs or prepositions to function as the object of the sentence.
How It Works
The suffix -nya is the enclitic (attached) form of the third-person pronouns dia or ia when they function as an object. It follows these rules:
- Direct Object: When acting as a direct object, -nya attaches to active transitive verbs, typically those with the meN- prefix or memper- prefix. It follows other suffixes like -kan or -i (e.g., mempercayainya).
- Passive Agent: A critical role for -nya is acting as the agent in di- passive constructions. In the phrase dibuatnya, it means "done by him/her/it."
- Attachment to Prepositions: It can follow prepositions like untuk (for) or kepada (to).
- Number: While primarily singular, it is frequently used for plural inanimate objects ('them'). For plural people, mereka is usually preferred.
Note: Do not confuse this with -nya possession, which attaches to nouns to show ownership.
Examples (5)
- Saya sudah membacanya semalam.
I already read it yesterday.
Word by Word: I already read-it yesterday.
Here, -nya is attached to the verb 'membaca' (to read) and functions as the direct object 'it'.
- Ali memberikan hadiah itu kepadanya.
Ali gave that gift to him.
Word by Word: Ali give gift that to-him.
-nya is attached to the preposition 'kepada' (to), representing the recipient 'him' or 'her'.
- Dia sangat jujur, jadi saya mempercayainya.
He is very honest, so I trust him.
Word by Word: He very honest, so I trust-him.
In this example, -nya follows the suffix -i in the verb 'mempercayai' (to trust).
- Buku itu sudah dibacanya.
The book has been read by him.
Word by Word: Book that already passive-read-by-him.
In this passive construction, -nya acts as the agent (the person doing the reading).
- Ambil buku-buku ini dan letakkannya di atas meja.
Take these books and put them on the table.
Word by Word: Take books these and put-them at top table.
Even though 'buku-buku' is plural, -nya is used here to mean 'them' because the objects are inanimate.
Common Mistakes
Using 'ianya' as a subject.
Ianya sangat cantik.Ia sangat cantik.'Ianya' is a common redundant error. Use 'ia' or 'dia' as the subject; -nya is only for objects or possession.
Using -nya when you mean 'himself'.
Different MeaningDia melihatnya di dalam cermin.Dia melihat dirinya di dalam cermin.'Dia melihatnya di dalam cermin' is a good sentence, but it means he saw someone or something else in the mirror. To say he saw himself, use 'dirinya'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand -nya as an object, you need to be familiar with the third-person pronoun 'dia' and how Malay uses suffixes like -nya for possession. Additionally, a grasp of basic SVO word order is required to recognize that the suffix is replacing a standalone object after a verb or preposition.
- Basic subject-verb-object order
Understanding the standard position of objects after verbs is necessary to identify where the -nya suffix attaches as an object.
Level 1 - -nyaThird-person Suffix -nya
Learners should be familiar with the suffixing behavior of -nya in its possessive role before applying it to object positions.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- diaThird-person Dia
The independent third-person pronoun which -nya is derived from.
Level 1 - -nya (takrif)Definite or Known -nya
The use of -nya to function like the definite article 'the' in English.
Level 2 - merekaThird-person Plural Mereka
The standard plural pronoun 'them' used for people.
Level 1 - untukFor with Untuk
A common preposition that hosts the -nya suffix (untuknya).
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice -nya (objek) in Bubblegum
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