Chapter 26: Imbuhan Awalan 'ber-' (The 'ber-' Prefix)

After mastering the complex `me-` prefix, you'll be happy to know that `ber-` is much simpler! The `ber-` prefix is very common and generally has two main functions: showing possession/using something, or performing an action for oneself.

Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

Function 1: To Have, Possess, or Use

When `ber-` is attached to a noun, it often creates a verb that means "to have" or "to be characterized by" that noun.

Root NounMeaning`ber-` VerbMeaning
bajushirtberbajuto be wearing a shirt
usahaeffortberusahato make an effort, to strive
jayasuccessberjayato be successful
namanamebernamato be named

Function 2: To Perform an Intransitive Action

This is a very common use. `ber-` creates a verb where the subject is performing the action, but the action is not directed at a specific object. Think of it as an action you do for yourself, like walking or talking.

Root WordMeaning`ber-` VerbMeaning
jalanwalk, roadberjalanto walk
larirunberlarito run
cakapspeak, talkbercakapto talk
mainplaybermainto play

Spelling Rules for `ber-` (It's Easy!)

  1. The Default Rule: For most words, you just add `ber-`. That's it! (e.g., `bermain`, `bercakap`)
  2. The 'R' Rule: If the root word begins with 'r', the 'r' from `ber-` is dropped to avoid a double 'rr'.
    • `ber-` + `rumah` → `berumah` (to have a house)
    • `ber-` + `renang` → `berenang` (to swim)
  3. The Exceptions: The most important exception to know is `ajar` (teach/learn).
    • `ber-` + `ajar` → `belajar` (to learn)
    Another is `kerja` (work), which becomes `bekerja`.

`ber-` (Intransitive) vs. `me-` (Transitive)

Here's a simple way to remember the difference:

Practice Activities

Practice with Flashcards

Master the use of the `ber-` prefix with these flashcards.

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Recognition Practice:
Exercise 1: What does `ber-` mean here?

For each sentence, is the `ber-` verb showing (A) Possession/Using or (B) Performing an Action?

  1. Lelaki itu berbaju merah. (That man is wearing a red shirt.)
  2. Saya suka berenang di laut. (I like to swim in the sea.)
  3. Syarikat itu sudah berjaya. (That company is already successful.)
  1. (A) Possession/Using (He *has* a red shirt on)
  2. (B) Performing an Action
  3. (A) Possession/Using (It *has* success)
Production Practice:
Exercise 2: Form the Verb

Write the correct `ber-` verb form for the following root words.

  1. `tanya` (ask)
  2. `rasa` (feel)
  3. `kumpul` (gather)
  1. bertanya
  2. berasa (the 'r' is dropped)
  3. berkumpul

Cerita Pendek (Short Story)

A conversation between friends about their activities.

Aktiviti Hujung Minggu (Weekend Activities)

Zack: Hai, Lisa. Hujung minggu lepas, awak buat apa? (...ah-wahk boo-at ah-pah?)

Lisa: Saya berehat sahaja di rumah. Saya bercakap dengan keluarga saya. Awak pula? (sah-yah buh-ray-haht sah-hah-jah dee roo-mah. sah-yah bur-chah-kahp duh-ngahn kuh-loo-ar-gah sah-yah. ah-wahk poo-lah?)

Zack: Saya pergi ke taman. Ramai orang sedang bermain dan berlari di sana. (sah-yah pur-gee kuh tah-mahn. rah-mai oh-rahng suh-dahng bur-mah-een dahn bur-lah-ree dee sah-nah.)

Lisa: Oh, seronoknya! Lain kali saya nak ikut. (oh, suh-roh-nohk-nyah! lah-een kah-lee sah-yah nahk ee-koat.)

Weekend Activities (Translation)

Zack: Hi, Lisa. Last weekend, what did you do?

Lisa: I just rested at home. I talked with my family. And you?

Zack: I went to the park. Many people were playing and running there.

Lisa: Oh, that sounds fun! Next time I want to follow.

Looking Ahead

Bagus! You've now learned the two most common verb-forming prefixes. Next, we'll explore another useful prefix with a very different meaning. In Chapter 27, we'll look at the Imbuhan Awalan 'ter-' (The 'ter-' Prefix), which is often used to describe accidental actions or the superlative (e.g., biggest, smallest).

Previous Chapter: Sound Changes with 'me-' Next Chapter: The 'ter-' Prefix