Suffix -i can be added to a number of simple transitive verbs to indicate that the action is performed more than once. In this case the suffix ‘-i’ is added to the prefixed me- base word . This process is called Circumfix.
Root: pukul (to hit)
- Create base verb: prefix me- + pukul → memukul (intransitive verb)
- In a sentence: Dia memukul.
- Meaning: He/She hits.
- Add suffix -i to the base verb → memukul+i. (transitive)
- In a sentence: Dia memukuli adiknya.
- Meaning: He hit his younger brother repeatedly.
Root: cium (to kiss)
- Create base verb: prefix me- + cium → mencium (intransitive verb)
- In a sentence: Dia mencium.
- Meaning: He/She kisses.
You can add an adverb to the above sentence.
- In a sentence: Dia mencium anaknya.
- Meaning: She kisses her child.
To indicate repeated action:
- Add suffix -i to the base verb → mencium+i. (transitive)
- In a sentence: Dia menciumi anaknya.
- Meaning: She kisses her child a number of times.