With many verbs there is a neat contrast between -i and -kan.
Typically, with an “-i” verb: the Undergoer stays where it is, while the action is directed towards it.
Typically, with a “-kan” verb: the Undergoer moves from one place to another, while it is caused to do or used to do the action.
| Ari memasuki mesjid. Ari memasukkan koin. |
Ari entered the mosque. Ali inserted a coin. |
The mosque stays where it is, while Ari enters it. The coin moves, when Ari inserts it. |
Another example of it:
| Bu Ani menawari tamu itu teh. Bu Ani menawarkan teh kepada tamu. |
Bu Ani offered the guest tea. Bu Ani offered tea to the guest.. |
The guest stays in one place, while this action “menawari” is directed at him/her. . The tea moves, as this action “menawarkan” is done. |
The endings -i and -kan do not always contrast in this way. On a few verbs -i and -kan have the same meaning. Examples: menyesali /menyesalkan (‘to regret something)’; menyakiti /menyakitkan (to hurt someone)’; menamai /menamakan (to name someone).
To see that the Undergoer moves with a “-kan” verb, sometimes you need a little imagination. Examples:
| Mereka meneriakkan yel-yel. Dia menuliskan kata “Merdeka!” pada tembok. |
They shouted chants. (teriak = to shout) S/he wrote the word “Merdeka!” on the wall. |
The chants move because they fly through the air. The word “Merdeka” moves from the pen onto the wall. |
When you use Passive, the same rule applies. But now the Undergoer, i.e. the thing which moves or doesn’t move, is on the left of the verb. E.g.
| Ari memasuki mesjid. Mesjid itu dimasuki oleh Ari. Ari memasukkan koin. Koin itu dimasukkan oleh Ali. |
Ari entered the mosque. The mosque was entered by Ari. Ari inserted a coin. The coin was inserted by Ari. |
active passive active passive |
Reference: Dr. Timothy Hassall, Indonesian Grammar, ANU – Canberra.
