Terdengar

Terdengar is an Indonesian verb formed from the root dengar (to hear) with the prefix ter-. It functions as a stative passive or passive-voice form meaning “to be heard” or “to sound.” The prefix ter- often conveys a sense of occurrence or a state that happens without deliberate action by the subject. In use, terdengar describes something audible or information that has come to people’s attention without specifying who heard it.

In everyday language, terdengar is commonly used to refer to sounds or voices that are perceivable: for example, “Suara gemuruh terdengar dari luar” (The rumble can be heard from outside) or “Bunyi langkah terdengar di koridor” (The sound of footsteps could be heard in the corridor). It can also describe information or rumors becoming known: “Kabar itu terdengar luas di kalangan warga” (The news spread widely among the residents). When the agent needs to be specified, it can be phrased with a preposition such as “oleh”: “Suara itu terdengar oleh semua orang di ruangan itu” (The sound was heard by everyone in the room).

Difference from mendengar: mendengar is the active verb meaning to hear or listen intentionally, while terdengar emphasizes the result of hearing or the perception of sound by others, often without focusing on the listener.

Etymologically, ter- marks a passive or definite state, and -dengar is the base verb; together they form a common Indonesian term used across spoken and formal registers.