Root-initial p replacement
The meN- prefix marks active transitive verbs. For roots starting with p, the p is dropped and replaced by m (becoming mem-).
How It Works
The meN- + p replacement follows these specific rules:
- Native Roots: The initial p is dropped. For example, pakai (wear) becomes memakai.
- Loanwords: Modern borrowings usually keep the p to stay recognizable. Crucially, for loanwords starting with consonant clusters (e.g., proses, plagiat), the p is always retained, as in memproses.
- High-Frequency Exceptions: A few common words like mempunyai (to have) and mempelawa (to invite) retain the p despite being native roots.
- The 'memper-' Exception: When using the complex prefix per-, the p is never dropped. Peroleh becomes memperoleh (to obtain).
- Monosyllabic Roots: One-syllable words starting with p use a different form. Pos (post) becomes mengepos.
In colloquial speech, this prefix is often omitted entirely, but it is mandatory in formal writing and news.
Examples (4)
- Dia sedang memotong rumput.
He/She is cutting grass.
Word by Word: He/She [progressive] [prefix]+cut grass.
The root is 'potong' (cut). The 'p' is replaced by 'm' after the meN- prefix.
- Syarikat itu mempunyai banyak cawangan.
That company has many branches.
Word by Word: Company that [prefix]+have many branches.
'Punya' (have) is a common exception where the 'p' is sometimes retained in the form 'mempunyai'.
- Adik memakai baju baharu.
Little sibling is wearing a new shirt.
Word by Word: Little-sibling [prefix]+wear shirt new.
The root is 'pakai' (wear/use). The 'p' is dropped and replaced by 'm'.
- Kita perlu memproses data ini segera.
We need to process this data immediately.
Word by Word: We need [prefix]+process data this immediately.
In the loanword 'proses', the 'p' is often retained (memproses) in modern standard Malay to maintain clarity.
Common Mistakes
Retaining the 'p' in native Malay roots.
Saya mempukul bola itu.Saya memukul bola itu.For native roots like 'pukul', the 'p' must be dropped. Keeping it sounds unnatural and 'un-Malay' to native speakers.
Dropping the 'p' in the 'per-' prefix.
Kami memeroleh keuntungan.Kami memperoleh keuntungan.The 'p' in the prefix 'per-' is never dropped. Only root-initial 'p' sounds are replaced.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand why the initial 'p' in a root word disappears or changes, you first need to understand the general purpose of the meN- prefix and how it typically behaves when attached to words starting with labial sounds like 'b' or 'p'.
Related Patterns
- meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
This is the general category of active transitive verb prefixes that includes the 'p' replacement rule.
Level 2 - Root-initial t replacement
A similar nasalization rule where the initial 't' is replaced by 'n'.
Level 3 - Root-initial k replacement
A similar nasalization rule where the initial 'k' is replaced by 'ng'.
Level 3 - Root-initial s replacement
A similar nasalization rule where the initial 's' is replaced by 'ny'.
Level 3 - Nasal alternation in agent nouns
The noun-forming prefix peN- follows the exact same 'p' to 'm' replacement rules as the verb prefix.
Level 3 - memper-Causative or Degree with Memper-
A complex prefix where the 'p' is specifically NOT replaced, serving as an important exception.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice Root-initial p replacement in Bubblegum
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