Last updated on January 16, 2024
There are four rules for using the prefix ber- in Indonesian:
First, the prefix ber- will change to be- if it is added to a root word that starts with the letter /r/
| Root | In Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| rambut | Kakak saya berambut panjang | My sister has long hair. |
| racun | Tanaman itu beracun | That plant is toxical. |
| ragam | Jenis barang yang dijual beragam | The stuff that she sells are diversed. |
| rencana | Dia suka berencana | He likes to have plan. |
Second, the prefix changes to be- if it is added to a root word whose first syllable ends in the letter /er/,
- Root: kerja → ber + kerja → bekerja = means to work.
- Root: ternak → ber + ternak → beternak = means engage in farming.
- Root: serta → ber + serta → beserta = means along with.
Third, the prefix changes to bel- if it is added to certain basic words
- Root: ajar → ber + ajar → belajar = means to study/learn.
With the base ‘ajar’ the ‘r’ of the prefixes is replaced by ‘l’.
Fourth, the prefix ber- does not change its form when combined with basic words outside of the above three rules
- Root: layar → ber + layar → berlayar = means to sail.