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Confused about when to use suffix -i in Indonesian? Learn how this powerful ending transforms verbs — with clear rules, real examples, and common mistakes to avoid.
If you have been learning Indonesian for a while, you have probably noticed that many verbs end with -i, and wondered what it actually does. Does it change the meaning? Is it interchangeable with -kan? When do you use it?
Good news: the Indonesian suffix -i follows clear patterns. Once you understand them, you will start recognizing it everywhere — in conversations, in text messages, and even in daily interactions with locals
What Is the Indonesian Suffix -i?
In Bahasa Indonesia, suffix -i is an akhiran (ending) attached to the end of a base word, usually a verb, noun, or adjective — to form a new transitive verb. It is one of the most frequently used suffixes alongside -kan.
The suffix -i typically signals one of three things:
- Repetitive or intensive action — the action is done repeatedly or thoroughly
- Locative action — the action is directed at a place or surface
Giving or filling something — the action involves supplying something to an object
How to Form Verbs Using Suffix -i
The formula is simple:
Base word + suffix -i = new verb
Base Word | Meaning | + suffix -i | Meaning |
tulis | to write | tulisi | to write on (something) |
tanam | to plant | tanami | to plant all over |
tanda | sign | tandai | to mark |
sayang | love | sayangi | to love (someone) |
surat | letter | surati | to send letters to |
jawab | to answer | jawabi | to answer (repeatedly/fully) |
Note: When a base word ends in a vowel, suffix -i is added directly. No spelling changes occur.
Three Core Functions of Suffix -i — With Examples
1. Repetitive or Intensive Action
When suffix -i is added to a verb, it implies the action is done multiple times or with great intensity.
- Dia membacai semua buku di rak itu. — He read through all the books on the shelf.
- Ibu memasaki seluruh keluarga setiap hari. — Mom cooks for the whole family every day.
- Tolong tulisi semua kolom di formulir ini. — Please fill in all the columns on this form.
2. Locative Action (Action Directed at a Surface or Place)
Here, suffix -i shows that the action targets a specific location or surface — the action “covers” the object.
- Kami menanami kebun itu dengan bunga. — We planted flowers all over the garden.
- Dia melukisi dinding kamarnya sendiri. — He painted all over his own bedroom wall.
- Jangan mencoret-coreti meja sekolah. — Do not scribble all over the school desk.
3. Giving or Supplying to an Object
When attached to a noun base, suffix -i often means “to give, fill, or supply with something.”
- Tolong garami sup ini sedikit. — Please add some salt to this soup.
- Dia mengotori bajuku. — He dirtied my shirt (got dirt on it).
- Kami harus mendanai proyek ini. — We need to fund this project.
Suffix -i vs. Suffix -kan: Quick Comparison
This is where many learners get confused. Here is a simple way to think about it:
Suffix -i | Suffix -kan | |
Focus | The object receives repeated/locative action | The action is done for someone or causes something |
Example | tulisi halaman ini (write on this page) | tuliskan namamu (write down your name) |
Feel | Action covers or fills the object | Action produces a result or benefits someone |
Understanding when to use suffix -i versus -kan will sharpen your Indonesian significantly. For more on how these verbs fit into bigger sentence structures, check out this guide on 3 Practical Indonesian Sentence Patterns.
Practice Exercises: Test Your Suffix -i Skills
Now it is your turn. Work through these three exercises to lock in what you have learned.
Exercise 1 — Fill in the Blank
Choose the correct form with suffix -i to complete each sentence.
- Dia lupa ________ (tanda) dokumen itu sebelum dikirim.
- Tolong ________ (warna) gambar ini dengan krayon.
- Mereka ________ (tanam) seluruh ladang dengan jagung.
- Ibu selalu ________ (sayang) anak-anaknya dengan tulus.
- Jangan lupa ________ (garam) masakannya ya!
(Answers: 1. menandai, 2. mewarnai, 3. menanami, 4. menyayangi, 5. garami)
Exercise 2 — Translate into Indonesian
Use a verb with suffix -i in each sentence.
- Please water all the plants in the yard.
- He filled the bottle with water.
- She loves her students very much.
- Don’t write all over this book!
- They funded the entire community program.
(Suggested answers: 1. Tolong sirami semua tanaman di halaman. 2. Dia mengisi botol itu dengan air. 3. Dia menyayangi murid-muridnya dengan sangat. 4. Jangan menulisi buku ini! 5. Mereka mendanai seluruh program komunitas itu.)
Exercise 3 — Spot the Error
Each sentence below uses the wrong suffix. Identify the mistake and rewrite it correctly using suffix -i.
- Dia menuliskan seluruh papan itu dengan kapur. → Correct it.
- Tolong garakan sup ini sedikit. → Correct it.
- Mereka menanamkan kebun itu dengan sayuran. → Correct it.
(Answers: 1. menulisi, 2. garami, 3. menanami)
Keep Practicing
The suffix -i might seem like a small detail, but it carries a lot of meaning. The more you practice spotting it in real Indonesian sentences — in conversations, articles, or everyday interactions — the more natural it will feel to use it yourself.
The best way to truly master patterns like this is by practicing with a real teacher who can give you instant feedback and guide you through the nuances. At BASANTARA, we help expats and Indonesian language learners build real, confident communication skills through structured, practical lessons — just like this one.
Ready to take your Indonesian to the next level? Chat with us directly on WhatsApp at +62 852 1396 8601 or visit our website at basantara.net to learn more about our programs. We would love to be part of your Indonesian learning journey!
