Malay keywords 3

When to use men- or pen-

If the root word begins with

c, d, j or t

With the pe(N) prefix

With the me(N) prefix

The prefix men- or pen- is used when the root word starts with the letter c, d, j or t. However as can be seen from the examples in Column 3 and 4 the initial letter t is dropped in the prefixed word.

curi = to steal 

cuci = to clean 

dengar = to listen 

jual = to sell

jemput = to invite

tulis = to write

tari = to dance

tipu = to cheat

tukar = to change

pencuri = a thief

pencuci = a cleaner

pendengar = a listener

penjual = a seller

penjemput = a guest

penulis = a writer

penari = a dancer 

penipu = a cheat

penukar wang = money-changer

mencuri = to steal

mencuci = to clean

mendengar = to listen

menjual = to sell

menjemput = to invite

menulis = to write

menari = to dance

menipu = to cheat

menukar = to change