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per-

Prefix ‘per’ is usually accompanied by prefix ‘me-‘ before it. In order to facilitate a smooth transition in pronunciation letter ‘m’ is added between the prefix ‘me-‘ and ‘per-‘. However, the first letter or initial ‘p’ from the prefix ‘per-‘ is retained.

Examples

Root WordMeaningme + m + per + Root WordIn a SentenceMeaning
ketattightmemperketatPolisi sudah memperketat penjagaan di bandar udaraPolice have tightened security at the airport
besarlargememperbesarKardi sudah memperbesar rumahnyaKardi has enlarged his house
panjanglongmemperpanjangKeluarga itu harus memperpanjang liburannyaThat family has to extend(lengthen) their holiday
tajamsharpmempertajamBapak sedang mempertajam pisau iniFather is sharpening this knife
lancarfluentmemperlancarMahasiswa itu sudah memperlancar bahasa IndonesianyaThat student has improved(literally: made more fluent) his Indonesian
Reference:
Indonesian: A Comprehensive Grammar (Routledge Grammars) by James Neil Sneddon(Dec 26, 1996)
Understanding Indonesian Grammar: A Student’s Reference and Workbook by James Neil Sneddon (Mar 2008)

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