The Verbal Prefix 'me-' — Malay Grammar

The prefix is an active voice marker used to transform root words into active verbs. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is performing the action. While the root word alone can often function as a verb in informal speech, adding is grammatically required in formal contexts and standard writing to establish the relationship between the doer and the action.

The Six Forms of 'Me-'

The prefix changes its spelling and pronunciation based on the first letter of the root word it attaches to. This process, known as nasal assimilation, ensures the word flows smoothly.

1. Me-

Used when the root word starts with l, m, n, ng, ny, r, w, or y. No sound change occurs.

Mereka melawat nenek.
They visit grandmother.
Dia merokok di luar.
He smokes outside.

2. Mem-

Used when the root word starts with b, f, p, or v.

Ibu membeli sayur.
Mother buys vegetables.
Kerajaan membantu rakyat.
The government helps the people.

3. Men-

Used when the root word starts with c, d, j, t, or z.

Saya mencuci kereta.
I wash the car.
Dia menjadi guru.
He becomes a teacher.

4. Meng-

Used when the root word starts with g, h, k, or any vowel (a, e, i, o, u).

Adik menggigit jari.
Younger sibling bites their finger.
Polis menghantar surat.
The police send a letter.
Kami mengurus syarikat.
We manage the company.

5. Meny-

Used exclusively when the root word starts with s.

Kakak menyanyi lagu itu.
Older sister sings that song.

6. Menge-

Used when the root word consists of only one syllable.

Mereka mengecat dinding.
They paint the wall.
Tentera mengebom kawasan itu.
The army bombs that area.

The "Drop" Rule (K, P, S, T)

When the root word begins with k, p, s, or t, the first letter of the root is usually dropped (deleted) after the prefix is added. This is a crucial rule for proper spelling.

K becomes (K is dropped): (send) → .
P becomes (P is dropped): (borrow) → .
S becomes (S is dropped): (sweep) → .
T becomes (T is dropped): (write) → .

Saya menulis surat.
I write a letter.
Dia memakai baju baru.
He wears a new shirt.

Note: Foreign loanwords often retain the original letter rather than dropping it (e.g., becomes , not ).

Transitive vs. Intransitive Usage

Most verbs with are transitive, meaning they require a direct object to complete the sentence.

Saya menutup pintu.
I close the door.

However, some verbs are intransitive and do not take an object. These often describe bodily actions or emotions.

Bayi itu menangis.
That baby cries.
Penyanyi itu menari.
That singer dances.

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In daily conversation (colloquial Malay), the prefix is frequently dropped for efficiency. However, in formal writing, speeches, or news broadcasts, the prefix is mandatory.

Informal (Spoken)

Saya beli nasi lemak.
I buy nasi lemak.

Formal (Written)

Saya membeli nasi lemak.
I buy nasi lemak.

Common Exceptions

A few very common verbs do not typically take the prefix in standard usage, even though they are active verbs. The most notable are (to eat) and (to drink). While and exist, they are reserved for very specific or poetic contexts.

Saya makan nasi.
I eat rice.
Dia minum air.
He drinks water.

Additionally, the word (to have/own) becomes . It retains the 'p' and adds the suffix , making it an irregular formation.

Dia mempunyai dua buah kereta.
He has two cars.

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Malay course

118 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 10. A few of them, with the words “The Verbal Prefix 'me-'” is about in bold:

Saya membeli pisang dan enam biji telur.
I am buying one banana and six eggs.
Lesson 43
Saya pergi ke pusat membeli-belah.
I went to the shopping mall.
Lesson 172
Ayah saya membeli hadiah untuk ibu saya.
My father bought a present for my mother.
Lesson 225

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