You've mastered the prefixes; now let's move to the end of the word! The suffix `-kan` is one of the most common and versatile suffixes in Malay. Its primary job is to turn a verb into a **transitive verb**, meaning an action that is done *to* something or *for* someone.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
The suffix `-kan` signals that the verb must have an object. It often adds the meaning of "for someone" or directs the action towards something.
| Root Word | Meaning | Verb with `-kan` | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| beli | buy | belikan | Tolong belikan saya roti. (Please buy bread for me.) |
| bawa | bring | bawakan | Dia bawakan saya hadiah. (He brought me a gift.) |
| masak | cook | masakkan | Ibu masakkan kami nasi lemak. (Mother cooked nasi lemak for us.) |
When `-kan` is added to an adjective, it often creates a verb that means "to cause something to be in that state."
| Root Adjective | Meaning | Verb with `-kan` | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| besar | big | besarkan | Tolong besarkan gambar itu. (Please make that picture bigger.) |
| bersih | clean | bersihkan | Dia sedang bersihkan biliknya. (He is cleaning his room.) |
| panas | hot | panaskan | Saya akan panaskan sup itu. (I will heat up that soup.) |
Adding `-kan` to a verb is a common way to form a polite command or request, especially when paired with words like `sila` or `tolong`.
In formal writing, `-kan` is very often part of a circumfix, paired with a prefix like `me-` to form `me-...-kan`. This creates the standard active, transitive verb form.
For now, focus on understanding the function of `-kan` on its own. You will learn to combine affixes in a later chapter.
Master the versatile `-kan` suffix with these flashcards.
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For each verb, what is the function of `-kan`? (A) Transitive/Benefactive or (B) Causative?
Add `-kan` to the root word to complete the sentence.
A simple scene in an office.
Bos: Selamat pagi, Sarah. Tolong hantarkan e-mel ini kepada semua staf. (...toh-long hahn-tar-kahn ee-mel ee-nee kuh-pah-dah suh-moo-ah staf.)
Sarah: Baiklah, Encik Tan. Saya akan hantarkan sekarang. (bah-eek-lah, en-chik tan. sah-yah ah-kahn hahn-tar-kahn suh-kah-rahng.)
Bos: Terima kasih. Dan selepas itu, sila siapkan laporan bulanan. (tuh-ree-mah kah-seh. dahn suh-luh-pahs ee-too, see-lah see-ahp-kahn lah-poh-rahn boo-lah-nahn.)
Sarah: Boleh bos jelaskan sedikit tentang laporan itu? (boh-leh bohs jel-as-kahn see-dee-keet tun-tahng lah-poh-rahn ee-too?)
Boss: Good morning, Sarah. Please send this email to all the staff.
Sarah: Okay, Mr. Tan. I will send it now.
Boss: Thank you. And after that, please finish the monthly report.
Sarah: Can you (boss) explain a little about that report?
Hebat! The `-kan` suffix is a huge step forward. There is one more major suffix you need to know, which has a slightly different function. In Chapter 30, we will learn about the Imbuhan Akhiran '-i', which often implies repeated action or applying something to a location.