Prefix plays important role in Bahasa Indonesia as it forms most of the words. Indonesian root words are mostly combined with prefix to create different meaning. Some people think that the use of prefix, suffix, and infix can be quite tricky. However, if you have better understanding of the words, there should be no problem. In this post, we are going to discuss about Indonesian Prefix di- which is widely used in everyday conversation.
Prefix di- in general has two different purposes; first, to indicate passive voice and second, to serve as preposition. Prefix di- are written differently to distinguish it between prefix and preposition. Take a look at below explanation.
1. Indonesian Prefix di- + Verbs
Prefix di- in general indicate passive form of an active passive me- verb. Prefix di- widely pairs with verbs and it is written in one word with the root words. Also, prefix di- can directly combine with root words without having spelling changes. Also learn high frequency word in Bahasa Indonesia.
| Root words | Prefix di+ root | Meaning | Sentence example |
| Makan | Dimakan | To be eaten | Buah mangga itu dimakan oleh ulat
The mango is eaten by a caterpillar |
| Buang | Dibuang | To be thrown out | Sampah itu dibuang ke sungai oleh Amin
The trash is thrown out to the river by Amin. |
| Masak | dimasak | To be cooked | Ikan itu dimasak oleh ibu The fish is cooked by mother |
| Cuci | Dicuci | To be washed | Piring itu dicuci oleh Andi
The plate is washed by Andi |
| Tulis | Ditulis | to be written | Surat itu ditulis Anna
The letter is witten by Anna |
| Jual | Dijual | To be sold | Rumah itu dijual untuk membayar hutang The house is sold to pay back debt |
| Baca | Dibaca | To be read | Buku itu dibaca Ana saat liburan
The book is read by Anna on holiday |
Also learn about Learn Indonesian me- Prefix (Formula and Examples)
2. Indonesian Prefix di- + noun
Prefix di- also combines with noun, especially concrete nouns to describe tools or equipment. It is also used to describe something which is recently made or created. Also learn more about Indonesian adjectives.
| Root words | Prefix di-+ root | Sentence example | Meaning |
| Gunting | Digunting | Kertas itu digunting oleh adikku
The paper is cut out by my sister |
‘Digunting’ indicates tool |
| Paku | Dipaku | Meja itu dipaku oleh ayah
The table is nailed by father |
‘Dipaku’ indicates tool. |
| Sapu | Disapu | Lantainya disapu oleh ibu
The floor is swept by mother |
‘Disapu’ indicates tool |
| Tumis | Ditumis | Sayuran itu akan ditumis segera
The vegetables will be sautéed soon |
‘Ditumis’ indicates a way to make something different |
| Urap | Diurap | Sayuran itu diurap menjadi satu
The vegetable is mixed into one dish |
‘Diurap’ indicates a way to make something different |
Also learn about Indonesian Prefix ter- (Formula and Examples)
3. Indonesian Prefix di- as preposition
Besides serves as prefix, di- also serves as preposition to indicate location. In English, di- as preposition also means ‘at’. Di- as preposition is written separately from the root words. Also learn Indonesian descriptive words.
| Root word | di- + root word | Meaning |
| Rumah | Di rumah | At home |
| Sekolah | Di sekolah | At school |
| Taman | di taman | At park |
| Meja | Di meja | On the table |
Prefix di- as preposition can directly be used to indicate places including cities and directions. The difference between prefix di- as prefix and preposition is the writing system. Prefix di- as preposition should be written separately from the root words. But in conversation, there is not much difference of prefix di-. Also learn more about types of adjunct in Indonesian.