ber- prefix for intransitive verbs: bernama, berbicara, berjalan, bekerja, belajar, bermain, berenang
Can use ber- prefix to form intransitive verbs and distinguish them from meN- verbs
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Nama saya Budi. Saya bernama Budi.
My name is Budi. I am named Budi.
Dia bekerja di bank setiap hari.
He/She works at the bank every day.
Anak-anak bermain di taman.
The children play in the park.
Saya belajar bahasa Indonesia.
I study/learn Indonesian.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
The ber- prefix creates intransitive verbs (no object needed): bernama (be named), berbicara (speak), berjalan (walk), bekerja (work), belajar (study), bermain (play), berenang (swim). Rules: ber- + r → be- (berenang, not berrenang). ber- + ajar → belajar (irregular). Key difference: meN- = transitive (needs object), ber- = intransitive (no object).
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesUsing ber- where meN- is needed or vice versa
ber- = no object (intransitive): berjalan (walk). meN- = needs object (transitive): membaca buku (read a book).
Writing 'berrenang' instead of 'berenang'
When base word starts with 'r', ber- becomes be-: renang → berenang, rasa → berasa.
Nama saya Budi. Saya bernama Budi.
My name is Budi. I am named Budi.
'bernama' = be named (ber- + nama). Both sentences mean the same thing. 'bernama' is more formal.
Dia bekerja di bank setiap hari.
He/She works at the bank every day.
'bekerja' = work (ber- + kerja). Note: ber- + k → stays 'bekerja'. No object needed — intransitive!
Anak-anak bermain di taman.
The children play in the park.
'bermain' = play (ber- + main). 'anak-anak' = children (reduplication = plural). 'taman' = park/garden.
Saya belajar bahasa Indonesia.
I study/learn Indonesian.
'belajar' = study/learn. Irregular! ber- + ajar = belajar (not berajar). 'ajar' means 'teach'.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises