Kenalkan

Kenalkan is an Indonesian verb meaning to introduce, specifically to make one person known to another or to present someone to others. It can also be used in the context of introducing oneself, though that is more commonly expressed with other forms such as perkenalkan diri.

Etymology and grammar: Kenalkan is derived from the root kenal (to know) with the causative suffix -kan, forming mengenalkan meaning “to introduce.” Kenalkan serves as its imperative or stem form in everyday speech. The related verb mengenalkan is used in more formal or complete sentences, such as saya ingin mengenalkan dia kepada Anda (I would like to introduce him to you).

Usage notes: The imperative form kenalkan is transitive and typically requires a direct object and a recipient, often with the preposition kepada to indicate who is being introduced to whom. For example, Kenalkan dia kepada tamu (Introduce him to the guests). In formal contexts, speakers often use perkenalkan instead to begin an introduction, as in Perkenalkan, nama saya … (Let me introduce myself, my name is …).

Nuance and variation: Kenal means “to know” and mengenal means “to become acquainted” or “to know someone.” Kenalkan and mengenalkan therefore express the act of causing someone to know someone else. Perkenalkan is a common formal variant used to initiate introductions, especially in polite or official speech.

See also: kenal; mengenal; mengenalkan; perkenalkan.