diper-

Passive Forms with Diper-

Level 4

The diper- prefix is the formal passive counterpart to memper-. It is used to describe a subject that is being 'enlarged', 'introduced', or 'treated as' something specific. It is highly formal and common in academic or legal writing.

How It Works

The diper- prefix functions in four primary ways:

  • Causative (Adjectives): It means 'to be made more [adjective]'. For example, diperbesar (to be enlarged). Note: In formal Malay, you must not add -kan to adjectives with this prefix (e.g., diperbesarkan is considered incorrect).
  • Transformative (Nouns): It means 'to be treated as' or 'made into'. For example, diperbudak (to be enslaved/treated as a slave).
  • Intensive/Causative (Verbs): Often used with suffixes like -kan or -i to indicate a formal process, such as diperkenalkan (to be introduced).
  • Division (Numbers): It is used with cardinal numbers to indicate division into parts or fractions. For example, diperdua (halved/divided by two) or dipertiga (divided by three).

Phonological Rules:
1. If the root starts with r, one 'r' is dropped (e.g., diper- + rendah becomes diperendah).
2. The root ajar is unique; the 'r' changes to 'l', resulting in dipelajari (to be studied).

Examples (6)

  1. Jalan raya itu sedang diperlebar oleh pihak berkuasa.

    The highway is currently being widened by the authorities.

    Word by Word: Road large that currently be-made-wider by side authority.

    Here, 'diperlebar' (from 'lebar' - wide) shows the causative use with an adjective. Note the absence of '-kan'.

  2. Dasar baharu itu diperkenalkan untuk membantu golongan belia.

    The new policy was introduced to help the youth.

    Word by Word: Policy new that be-introduced for help group youth.

    This uses the circumfix 'diper-...-kan' with the root 'kenal' (know/acquaint) to mean 'to be introduced'.

  3. Sejarah negara kita perlu dipelajari oleh setiap murid.

    Our country's history needs to be studied by every student.

    Word by Word: History country we need be-studied by every student.

    This demonstrates the irregular mutation of 'ajar' to 'pelajari' when used with the 'diper-' prefix.

  4. Keputusan itu telah diperoleh melalui undian sulit.

    The decision was obtained through a secret ballot.

    Word by Word: Decision that already be-obtained through voting secret.

    A formal usage of 'diperoleh' (to be obtained/gained). Note that in standard Malay, the root 'oleh' does not take the suffix '-i' with this prefix.

  5. Dia berasa dirinya diperbudak oleh majikannya.

    He felt he was being enslaved by his employer.

    Word by Word: He feel self-his be-treated-as-slave by employer-his.

    This shows the transformative use with the noun 'budak' (slave/servant), meaning 'to be treated as a slave'.

  6. Kek itu diperdua untuk dikongsi bersama adiknya.

    The cake was halved to be shared with his younger sibling.

    Word by Word: Cake that be-divided-by-two for be-shared together younger-sibling-his.

    This demonstrates the use of 'diper-' with a number to indicate division or fractions.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding the suffix '-kan' to an adjective when using 'diper-'.

    Jalan itu diperlebarkan.
    Jalan itu diperlebar.

    In formal Malaysian Malay grammar (Tatabahasa Dewan), 'diper-' + adjective is already causative. Adding '-kan' is considered redundant and incorrect.

  • Using 'diper-' in casual conversation.

    Baju ini diperkecil oleh mak.
    Baju ini dikecilkan oleh mak.

    While 'diperkecil' is grammatically correct, it is very formal. In daily speech, 'di-...-kan' is much more natural.

How It Connects

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

diper-Level 4Passive Forms with Diper-

Learn This First

To understand the diper- passive, you first need to be familiar with the basic di- passive construction. Since diper- is the passive form of the active memper- prefix, you must also understand how memper- is used to create causative verbs from adjectives or nouns. Finally, knowledge of how to mark the agent in a passive sentence using 'oleh' is necessary for complete sentence construction.

Words in This Pattern

di-per-