-an

Result or Object Nouns with -an

Level 2

The suffix -an is a nominalizer used to create 'result nouns'. It focuses on the entity or product created by an action, rather than the process itself.

How It Works

The suffix -an is one of the most common ways to derive nouns in Malay. Its primary function is to identify the result or object of a base word's action.

1. Morphological Rules:

  • The suffix is always written as -an and attaches directly to the root (e.g., tulis + -an = tulisan).
  • If the root ends in -a, a glottal stop is pronounced (e.g., bacaan /ba.tʃa.ʔan/).
  • If the root ends in -i or -u, a glide sound (/j/ or /w/) is typically inserted in natural speech (e.g., pujian /pu.dʒi.jan/ or tujuan /tu.dʒu.wan/).

2. Result vs. Process:
A common point of confusion is the difference between -an and the circumfix peN-...-an. While -an refers to the result/object, peN-...-an refers to the process/act.

  • Tulisan: The physical writing/handwriting (result).
  • Penulisan: The act or process of writing (process).

3. Other Functions:
Beyond results, -an can indicate:

  • Instrument/Tool: timbangan (scales) from timbang (to weigh).
  • Location/Place: lapangan (field/open space) from lapang (wide).
  • Collections: sayur-sayuran (various vegetables).
  • Large quantities: ribuan (thousands).
  • Adjective-based nouns: manisan (sweets) from manis (sweet).

Examples (6)

  1. Tulisan adik sangat kemas.

    My younger sibling's writing is very neat.

    Word by Word: Writing younger-sibling very neat.

    'Tulisan' is the result noun derived from the verb 'tulis' (to write).

  2. Ibu menghidangkan pelbagai jenis makanan.

    Mother served various types of food.

    Word by Word: Mother serve various types food.

    'Makanan' is the object noun derived from 'makan' (to eat).

  3. Lukisan itu sangat cantik.

    That painting is very beautiful.

    Word by Word: Painting that very beautiful.

    'Lukisan' refers to the physical painting (the result) derived from 'lukis' (to draw/paint).

  4. Timbangan ini tidak tepat.

    This scale is not accurate.

    Word by Word: Scale this not accurate.

    'Timbangan' functions as an instrument (scales) derived from 'timbang' (to weigh).

  5. Kanak-kanak itu bermain di lapangan.

    Those children are playing in the field.

    Word by Word: Children that play at field.

    'Lapangan' indicates a location or place, derived from 'lapang' (spacious/wide).

  6. Dia memakai pakaian tradisional.

    He/She is wearing traditional clothes.

    Word by Word: He/She wear clothes traditional.

    'Pakaian' (clothes) is the object noun derived from 'pakai' (to wear).

Common Mistakes

  • Using the result noun suffix -an to describe a process.

    Karangan buku itu mengambil masa setahun.
    Pengarangan buku itu mengambil masa setahun.

    'Karangan' refers to the essay/composition itself (the result). To describe the 'act of composing' (the process), you should use the circumfix 'peN-...-an'.

  • Assuming -an is a plural marker.

    Saya ada banyak lukisan-an.
    Saya ada banyak lukisan.

    While -an can indicate collections in specific words (like 'ribuan'), it does not function as a general plural marker. To pluralize a result noun, use reduplication: 'lukisan-lukisan'.

How It Connects

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-anLevel 2Result or Object Nouns with -an

Learn This First

To understand how the -an suffix creates result nouns, learners first need to be familiar with the base verb roots it attaches to. Knowledge of basic noun properties in Malay, such as the lack of grammatical gender, provides the necessary context for how these new nouns function in sentences.

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-an