Questions & Answers about Sebelum pergi, saya mengunci pintu depan.
Why is it “sebelum pergi” and not “sebelum saya pergi”?
Both are correct. Indonesian often omits the subject in a subordinate clause when it’s the same as the main clause’s subject.
- With subject: Sebelum saya pergi, saya mengunci pintu depan.
- Without subject (natural and concise): Sebelum pergi, saya mengunci pintu depan. If the subject is different, you must state it: Sebelum dia pergi, saya mengunci pintu depan.
Do I need the comma after “Sebelum pergi”?
It’s recommended. In Indonesian, a comma is typically used after an initial adverbial/subordinate clause:
- Sebelum pergi, saya mengunci pintu depan. If the clause comes after the main clause, no comma is needed: Saya mengunci pintu depan sebelum pergi.
What does the prefix “meng-” do in “mengunci,” and why did the k disappear?
The verb mengunci is formed from the root kunci by adding the active transitive prefix meN-. With roots starting in k, the k drops and the prefix surfaces as meng-:
- kunci → mengunci (to lock)
- Other examples: kirim → mengirim, pakai → memakai, tulis → menulis, sapu → menyapu, ambil → mengambil Related forms:
- terkunci = locked (state/adjective)
- pengunci = lock/fastener (noun)
What’s the difference between “pintu depan” and “pintu di depan”?