mem-

The Mem- Form of MeN-

Level 2

The mem- prefix is a specific form of the meN- prefix used to create active verbs. It is used when a root word begins with the labial sounds b, f, v, or p.

How It Works

The mem- allomorph is a key marker for active voice verbs, which are typically transitive (verbs that take a direct object). Its usage follows these phonological rules:

  • Before 'b', 'f', and 'v': The prefix attaches directly.
    Example: baca → membaca.
    Note: The root faham usually becomes memahami in standard usage.
  • Before 'p': The initial 'p' is dropped (nasal substitution).
    Example: pakai → memakai.

Important Exceptions:
1. The 'punya' Exception: The root punya (to have) retains its 'p', becoming mempunyai.
2. Loanwords with Consonant Clusters: The 'p' is retained specifically when it is part of a consonant cluster like 'pr' or 'pl'.
Example: proses → memproses. For loanwords starting with a single 'p', the 'p' is usually dropped (e.g., popular → memopularkan).
3. The 'per-' prefix: If a root starts with per-, the 'p' is never dropped.
Example: perkecil → memperkecil.
4. Roots starting with 'm': Be careful not to confuse mem- with the me- prefix used for roots starting with 'm'.
Example: masak → memasak (not memmasak).
5. Monosyllabic Roots: If a root has only one syllable (e.g., bom, pos), the prefix changes to menge- (e.g., mengebom) instead of mem-.

Examples (5)

  1. Dia sedang membaca surat khabar.

    He/She is reading a newspaper.

    Word by Word: He/She [progressive marker] read newspaper.

    The root 'baca' starts with 'b', so the prefix mem- is added directly.

  2. Adik memakai baju baru.

    Little brother/sister is wearing a new shirt.

    Word by Word: Little-sibling wear shirt new.

    The root 'pakai' starts with 'p'. The 'p' is dropped and replaced by the 'm' in mem-.

  3. Kita perlu memahami perasaan orang lain.

    We need to understand other people's feelings.

    Word by Word: We need understand feeling person other.

    The root 'faham' (understand) is a common word where the 'f' is often treated like 'p' and replaced by 'm' to become 'memahami'.

  4. Syarikat itu mempunyai banyak pekerja.

    That company has many workers.

    Word by Word: Company that have many worker.

    The root 'punya' is a major exception; the 'p' is retained in mempunyai.

  5. Askar itu mengebom kubu musuh.

    The soldier bombed the enemy's fort.

    Word by Word: Soldier that bomb fort enemy.

    For monosyllabic roots like 'bom', the prefix changes to menge- instead of 'mem-'.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to drop the 'p' in native Malay roots or dropping it in the exception 'punya'.

    Saya mempakai baju itu / Dia memunyai kucing.
    Saya memakai baju itu / Dia mempunyai kucing.

    Standard roots like 'pakai' must drop the 'p', but the root 'punya' is a specific exception where the 'p' is always kept.

  • Using 'mem-' for one-syllable roots.

    Dia membom bangunan itu.
    Dia mengebom bangunan itu.

    When a root has only one syllable (like 'bom' or 'pos'), you must use the menge- allomorph.

  • Dropping the 'p' in the 'per-' prefix.

    Dia memersatukan rakyat.
    Dia mempersatukan rakyat.

    When meN- is added to a word starting with the 'per-' prefix, the 'p' is always retained.

How It Connects

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mem-Level 2The Mem- Form of MeN-

Learn This First

To understand the mem- allomorph, you first need to be familiar with the general meN- prefix used for active transitive verbs. The mem- form is simply a variation that occurs when the root word starts with specific sounds like 'b', 'f', 'v', or 'p'.

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mem-