meny-

The Meny- Form of MeN-

Level 2

The meny- allomorph is a specific form of the meN- prefix. It is used when a root word starts with the letter s. In this process, the s is dropped and replaced by ny.

How It Works

The meny- allomorph is an active voice marker used for both transitive verbs (taking an object) and intransitive verbs (not taking an object).

1. The S-Dropping Rule
When the meN- prefix meets a root starting with s, the s disappears and is replaced by ny:

  • sewa (rent) → menyewa
  • susun (arrange) → menyusun
  • salak (bark) → menyalak

2. The One-Syllable Exception
If a root has only one syllable, it does not use meny-. Instead, it uses the menge- prefix and the s is kept:

  • sah (valid) → mengesahkan
  • suis (switch) → mengesuis

3. Loanwords and Clusters
The s is usually retained in specific phonetic environments:

  • Consonant Clusters: In loanwords where s is followed by another consonant, use men-. Example: stabil → menstabilkan.
  • Arabic 'Sy': Roots starting with sy use men-. Example: syukur → mensyukuri.

4. Register Differences
While mandatory in formal Malay, speakers often use the bare root in colloquial speech (e.g., "Saya sapu" instead of "Saya menyapu").

Examples (5)

  1. Ibu sedang menyiram bunga di taman.

    Mother is watering the flowers in the garden.

    Word by Word: Mother [progressive] water flower at garden.

    The root word is 'siram' (water/spray). The 's' is dropped and replaced by 'meny-' to form the active verb.

  2. Dia sedang menyusun buku-buku itu di atas meja.

    He/she is arranging those books on the table.

    Word by Word: He/she [progressive] arrange books those at top table.

    The root word is 'susun' (arrange). The 's' is dropped and replaced by 'meny-'.

  3. Kita harus mensyukuri nikmat ini.

    We must be grateful for this blessing.

    Word by Word: We must be-grateful-for blessing this.

    The root 'syukur' starts with 'sy'. In this case, the 's' is retained and the prefix men- is used.

  4. Pegawai itu mengesahkan dokumen tersebut.

    The officer verified that document.

    Word by Word: Officer that verify document mentioned.

    The root 'sah' has only one syllable. Instead of 'meny-', it uses menge- and the 's' is kept.

  5. Anjing itu menyalak dengan kuat.

    The dog is barking loudly.

    Word by Word: Dog that bark with loud.

    The root word is 'salak' (bark). This shows 'meny-' can be used for intransitive verbs (verbs without an object) as well.

Common Mistakes

  • Retaining the 's' in native Malay roots.

    Dia mensapu lantai.
    Dia menyapu lantai.

    For native roots starting with 's', the 's' must be dropped and replaced by 'ny'. Writing 'mens-' is a common error for beginners.

  • Applying the 's-dropping' rule to modern loanword clusters or one-syllable roots.

    Kerajaan meny-stabilkan harga; Dia menyahkan dokumen.
    Kerajaan menstabilkan harga; Dia mengesahkan dokumen.

    In modern loanwords with 's' clusters (like 'st') or one-syllable roots (like 'sah'), the 's' is not replaced by 'ny'. Use men- or menge- instead.

How It Connects

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

meny-Level 2The Meny- Form of MeN-

Learn This First

To understand the meny- allomorph, you first need to understand the general function and behavior of the meN- prefix in Malay, as meny- is one of its specific forms triggered by certain root-initial letters.

Words in This Pattern

meny-