di- / di
Passive Prefix Versus Location Preposition
In Malay, the sound 'di' has two distinct roles: a passive prefix (joined to verbs) and a locative preposition (separated from nouns).
How It Works
Understanding the difference between these two is a fundamental orthographic rule to become proficient in Malay.
1. The Passive Prefix (di-)
The prefix di- is used to form passive verbs. It is always written as one word with the root verb. In formal Malay, this form is strictly reserved for third-person agents (e.g., dia, mereka, or a person's name).
- di + baca = dibaca (is read)
- di + tulis = ditulis (is written)
Note: For 1st and 2nd person agents, do not use di-. Instead, use the object voice (e.g., buku itu saya baca).
2. The Locative Preposition (di)
The word di functions as a preposition meaning 'at', 'in', or 'on'. It must always be followed by a space before the noun.
- di + sekolah = di sekolah (at school)
- di + mana = di mana (where)
Important Restrictions:
- Physical Space Only: Use di only for concrete physical locations. For abstract concepts or groups, use dalam (e.g., dalam kalangan).
- No Time Expressions: Never use di for time. Use pada instead (e.g., pada pukul lapan).
Key Rule: If the word following 'di' is an action (verb) with a third-person agent, join them. If the word following 'di' is a physical place or the word 'mana', separate them.
Examples (4)
- Buku itu dibaca oleh Ali.
That book is read by Ali.
Word by Word: Book that is-read by Ali.
Here, 'dibaca' is a passive verb, so 'di-' is attached directly to the root 'baca'.
- Ali membaca buku di perpustakaan.
Ali is reading a book at the library.
Word by Word: Ali [active]-read book at library.
'Di' is a preposition indicating location, so it is written with a space before 'perpustakaan'.
- Makanan itu dimasak di dapur.
The food is cooked in the kitchen.
Word by Word: Food that is-cooked at kitchen.
This sentence shows both: 'dimasak' (passive verb, joined) and 'di dapur' (location, spaced).
- Surat itu ditulis di pejabat.
The letter was written at the office.
Word by Word: Letter that is-written at office.
'Ditulis' is the passive action (joined), while 'di pejabat' is the location (spaced).
Common Mistakes
Writing 'di mana' as a single word.
Dimana awak tinggal?Di mana awak tinggal?Even though it is a question word, di mana follows the preposition rule: 'di' must be separated from the noun 'mana' by a space.
Using the 'di-' prefix with first or second-person agents.
Buku itu dibaca oleh saya.Buku itu saya baca.In formal Malay, the di- prefix is strictly for third-person agents. For first-person (saya) or second-person (kamu) agents, you must use the object voice where the pronoun is placed directly before the bare verb.
Adding a space between the passive prefix and the verb.
Buku itu di tulis oleh dia.Buku itu ditulis oleh dia.The passive prefix di- must be attached directly to the verb without a space, unlike the preposition.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- diLocation with Di
This is the locative half of the 'di' spelling rule.
Level 1 - di-Basic Passive with Di-
This is the grammatical prefix half of the 'di' spelling rule.
Level 2 - keDirection with Ke
The preposition 'ke' (to) follows the same spacing rule as locative 'di'.
Level 1 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
The active counterpart to the 'di-' passive prefix.
Level 2 - Third-person passive preference
Explains why 'di-' is specifically preferred for third-person actors.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice di- / di in Bubblegum
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