meN-...-kan / meN-...-i
Valency Contrast in Derived Verbs
The suffixes -kan and -i change how a verb interacts with its object. -kan usually means you move the object or do something for someone, while -i means the action is directed at a stationary location or recipient.
How It Works
In formal Malay, choosing between these suffixes depends on what the direct object is doing:
1. Movement vs. Location:
Use -kan if the object is the thing being moved. Use -i if the object is the destination or location.
Example: memasukkan kunci (putting the key in) vs memasuki bilik (entering the room).
2. Gift vs. Recipient:
With verbs of giving, -kan takes the item as the object, while -i takes the person receiving it.
Example: menghadiahkan jam (gifting a watch) vs menghadiahi ibu (gifting mother [something]).
3. Single vs. Repeated Action:
The suffix -i can indicate that an action is performed many times or intensely.
Example: melemparkan batu (throwing a stone) vs melempari anjing (pelting a dog with many stones).
4. Benefactive -kan:
The benefactive -kan allows you to add a person for whom the action is done. Memasak nasi (cooking rice) becomes memasakkan suami nasi (cooking rice for the husband).
Examples (5)
- Dia memasukkan buku itu ke dalam beg.
He put the book into the bag.
Word by Word: He cause-to-enter book that to inside bag
Here, -kan is used because the 'book' is the object being moved into a state of being inside.
- Dia memasuki pejabat itu pada pukul lapan.
He entered the office at eight o'clock.
Word by Word: He enter-at office that at o'clock eight
Here, -i is used because the 'office' is the location being entered; the subject moves, not the object.
- Siti menghadiahi adiknya sebuah basikal.
Siti gave her younger sibling a bicycle as a gift.
Word by Word: Siti gift-to sibling-her a-unit bicycle
The suffix -i is used because the direct object is the recipient (the sibling).
- Siti menghadiahkan sebuah basikal kepada adiknya.
Siti gave a bicycle as a gift to her younger sibling.
Word by Word: Siti gift-item a-unit bicycle to sibling-her
The suffix -kan is used because the direct object is the item being given (the bicycle).
- Dia melempari pencuri itu dengan batu.
He pelted the thief with stones.
Word by Word: He throw-repeatedly thief that with stone
The suffix -i indicates the action of throwing was repeated multiple times at the target.
Common Mistakes
Using 'meniduri' when you mean to put someone to sleep.
Ibu meniduri bayi itu.Ibu menidurkan bayi itu.'Menidurkan' means to cause someone to sleep (causative). 'Meniduri' means to sleep on something or has a sexual connotation.
Using -kan when the object is a stationary location.
Kami mendudukkan kerusi itu.Kami menduduki kerusi itu.'Mendudukkan' means to seat someone else down. 'Menduduki' means to sit on (occupy) the chair.
Related Patterns
- meN-...-kanCausative MeN-...-kan
This is the specific function of -kan where the subject causes the object to enter a state.
Level 3 - meN-...-iLocative MeN-...-i
This is the specific function of -i where the object is the location of the action.
Level 3 - meN-...-kan (benefaktif)Benefactive MeN-...-kan
Explains how -kan is used to perform an action for someone else's benefit.
Level 3 - meN-...-i (berulang)Repeated or Intensive -i
Explains the iterative (repeated) use of the -i suffix.
Level 3 - -kan / -iChoosing -kan or -i
Focuses on how the speaker chooses between these two based on which object they want to emphasize.
Level 3 - meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
Provides the foundation for how the meN- prefix functions before adding these suffixes.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice meN-...-kan / meN-...-i in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Malay lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
