layak di-

Worthy of Action

Level 5

The pattern layak di- combines the adjective layak (worthy/eligible) with a passive verb to indicate that the subject deserves the action. It is the Malay equivalent of English suffixes like -worthy (e.g., praiseworthy) or -able (e.g., habitable).

How It Works

In standard Malay, layak di- is a common construction used to describe a subject that deserves a specific action or is eligible for a process.

1. Structure and Formality:
The standard, formal construction is layak di- followed by a passive verb. While omitting untuk is more concise, adding it (as in layak untuk di-) is grammatically valid, functioning as a conjunction of purpose, and is completely natural in formal Malay. The verb following layak must be in the passive form, typically using the di- prefix, di-...-kan, or di-...-i.

2. Semantic Function:
This pattern functions as an evaluative predicate. For example, layak ditonton (worthy of being watched) or layak dihormati (worthy of being respected). It indicates that the subject possesses qualities that justify the action being performed upon it.

3. Administrative and Professional Usage:
Beyond general 'worthiness', this pattern is frequently used in administrative contexts to mean 'qualified' or 'eligible' to undergo a process. For example, layak ditemu duga (eligible to be interviewed) or layak dipilih (qualified to be selected).

4. Positive and Negative Merit:
The construction is neutral regarding the nature of the action; it can be used for rewards (layak diberi pujian - worthy of being given praise) or consequences (layak dihukum - worthy of being punished).

5. Modification:
Since layak functions as the head of the adjective phrase, it can be modified by degree adverbs such as sangat (very) or amat to emphasize the level of worthiness.

6. Agent Restrictions:
Because this pattern uses the di- prefix, it is strictly for third-person agents or agentless passives. If a specific third-person agent is included, it can be introduced by the preposition oleh (by) (e.g., layak ditonton oleh semua pelajar). However, oleh is optional if the agent immediately follows the passive verb (e.g., layak ditonton semua pelajar). If the agent is a first or second person, standard Malay requires the first-person or second-person object voice instead (e.g., layak saya tonton, not layak ditonton oleh saya).

7. Contrast with Active Verbs:
It is important to note that layak can also be followed by active verbs if the subject is the doer of the action (e.g., Dia layak menang - He deserves to win). Additionally, Malay often naturally expresses 'worthy of being [verb]ed' using active verbs of receiving, such as layak mendapat pujian or layak menerima pujian, which are frequently used instead of the passive layak diberi pujian. The layak di- pattern is specifically used when the subject is the direct receiver of the action in a passive frame.

Examples (4)

  1. Kejayaan pasukan itu layak dipuji oleh semua pihak.

    The team's success is worthy of being praised by all parties.

    Word by Word: Success team that worthy be-praised by all parties.

    Here, 'layak dipuji' functions like the English word 'praiseworthy'.

  2. Rumah lama itu sudah tidak layak dihuni lagi.

    That old house is no longer fit to be lived in.

    Word by Word: House old that already not worthy be-inhabited anymore.

    In this context, 'layak dihuni' refers to the house being habitable or fit for living.

  3. Sumbangan beliau amat layak dihargai oleh masyarakat.

    His contribution is very much worthy of being appreciated by society.

    Word by Word: Contribution he/she very worthy be-appreciated by society.

    The intensifier 'amat' is used to show a high degree of worthiness.

  4. Penjenayah itu layak dihukum atas kesalahannya.

    The criminal deserves to be punished for his mistakes.

    Word by Word: Criminal that worthy be-punished for mistake-his.

    This shows that 'layak di-' can also be used for negative consequences like punishment.

Common Mistakes

  • Using an active verb (meN-) when the person is the one being praised.

    Different MeaningDia layak memuji.
    Dia layak dipuji.

    'Dia layak memuji' is a good sentence, but it means he is qualified to praise others. To say he deserves praise, use the passive 'dipuji'.

  • Omitting the 'di-' prefix entirely.

    Video ini layak tonton.
    Video ini layak ditonton.

    In formal Malay, the passive prefix 'di-' is required to correctly show the relationship between the subject and the action.

How It Connects

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

layak di-Level 5Worthy of Action

Learn This First

To understand 'layak di-', you first need to be comfortable with the passive 'di-' prefix, as this pattern describes something being 'worthy of being [acted upon]'. It also requires knowledge of how adjectives function as predicates in Malay without needing a copula (like 'is').

Words in This Pattern

layakdi-