Correct Usage of the Word 'di', When Should It Be Connected or Separated

Kapanlagi.com - The usage of the word 'di' in the Indonesian language often becomes a problem for some people. This is because in the Indonesian language, there are two types of usage for 'di', which are 'di' as a prefix and 'di' as a preposition. Both have different writing rules. Unfortunately, not many people can differentiate between the two, resulting in confusion when writing it.

Learning the usage of 'di' as a preposition and prefix is important because it is fundamental knowledge in Indonesian writing. Therefore, you need to know the difference between the two, especially in terms of the correct writing rules.

To learn more about the usage of the word 'di' in the Indonesian language, read the following explanation.

1. The Use of the Word

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In Indonesian sentences, the word 'di' can function as a preposition. As the name suggests, as a preposition, 'di' is written as a separate word or separated by the following word. Generally, 'di' as a preposition appears to indicate a place. For example, di sekolah (at school), di kantor (at the office), di pantai (at the beach), di rumah (at home), di gunung (on the mountain), di Sumatera Utara (in North Sumatra), di Korea Selatan (in South Korea), di mana saja (anywhere), and so on.

However, 'di' as a preposition is not only used to indicate a place, but it can also be used as an indicator of time within a word or sentence. For example, di waktu senja (at sunset), di kala pagi hari (in the morning), di hari raya Idulfitri (during Eid al-Fitr), di saat tertidur (while sleeping), di jam kerja (during working hours), and so on.

2. Examples of Writing

To better understand the meaning and concept of 'di' as a preposition, it is advisable to also know examples of its usage in daily life. Here are examples of using 'di' as a preposition in daily life.

1) Correct writing: 'di pasar' (at the market); not 'dipasar'.

Example in a sentence: This morning, my mother bought a kilogram of eggs at the market.

2) Correct writing: 'di gedung' (in the building); not 'digedung'.

Example in a sentence: Mr. Subandi works as a security guard who maintains security in Building B.

3) Correct writing: 'di terminal' (at the terminal); not 'diterminal'.

Example in a sentence: The bus I was on stopped for a long time to wait for passengers at the main terminal.

4) Correct writing: 'di desa' (in the village); not 'didesa'.

Example in a sentence: In the village where he lives, Mr. Sueb is considered a respected person.

5) Correct writing: 'di malam hari' (at night); not 'dimalam hari'.

Example in a sentence: The thief carried out his action at night when all the residents of the house were fast asleep.

3. The Use of the Word

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In addition to being a preposition, in the Indonesian language, "di-" can also function as a prefix. Just like other prefixes, the writing of "di-" in this case must be connected to the following word, which is a verb. The use of the word "di-" as a prefix makes the accompanying verb passive. For example: diganggu (disturbed), dikerjakan (done), dimakan (eaten), diminum (drunk), disuntik (injected), and so on.

Thus, one way to differentiate between the use of the prefix "di-" and as a preposition is by trying to change it into an active form. The way to do it is by substituting or exchanging the word "di-" with the prefix "me-". If it is acceptable, then it can be determined that "di-" in that word is a prefix. On the other hand, if it is not acceptable, then "di" in that word or sentence is a preposition.

4. Writing Example

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Just like understanding 'di' as a preposition, it will be easier to understand the writing rules of 'di' as a prefix through examples of everyday words or sentences. Here are some examples of the use of 'di-' as a prefix in everyday conversations.

1) The correct writing is 'ditulis'; not di tulis.

Example in a sentence: The permission letter was written by Shita's parents very neatly.

2) The correct writing is 'dibeli'; not di beli.

Example in a sentence: The land after the fire was bought at a cheap price.

3) The correct writing is 'ditempati'; not di tempati.

Example in a sentence: The luxurious house at the end of the street is starting to be occupied by its owner.

4) The correct writing is 'didatangi'; not di datangi.

Example in a sentence: Every day, the food stall is always visited by many buyers.

5) The correct writing is 'dicintai'; not di cintai.

Example in a sentence: As an only child, Nina is greatly loved by both of her parents.

Those are some brief explanations and summaries related to the use of the word 'di' in the Indonesian language. Hopefully, it is useful and can increase your knowledge. Remember, don't get confused again when writing it!

(kpl/gen/psp)