Tentukan

Tentukan is an Indonesian transitive verb that means to determine, decide, or specify. It is formed from the adjective tentu (definite, certain) with the suffix -kan, a productive pattern in Indonesian that yields a verb with a causative or applicative sense—essentially “to make definite” or “to specify.”

Usage is largely transitive with a direct object. In imperative or directive contexts, it appears as an instruction: “Tentukan tanggal pertemuan.” or “Tentukan jawaban yang benar.” In non-imperative clauses, the related verb form menentunkan or, more commonly, menentukan is used to describe an ongoing act: “Perusahaan menentukan kebijakan baru.” The passive form ditentukan means “has been determined” or “is designated.” Indonesian verbs do not inflect for tense; time relations are indicated with adverbs or context.

The term sits within a family of verbs dealing with decision-making and specification. It is closely related to, but more formal or precise than, synonyms such as memutuskan (to decide), menetapkan (to set or establish), or memformalkan (to formalize). In everyday speech, menentukan can carry a careful or analytical nuance, while memutuskan emphasizes finality and choice, and menetapkan stresses setting a rule or standard.

See also: menentukan, menentukan, memutuskan, menetapkan, tentukan.