Tersembunyi

Tersembunyi is an Indonesian adjective formed with the derivational prefix ter- attached to the verb sembunyi, meaning to hide. It describes a state of being hidden, not readily visible, known, or accessible. The word often conveys that something exists in concealment, whether by physical concealment or by being kept from awareness.

Etymology and formation: The prefix ter- in Indonesian commonly marks a state resulting from an action or condition. When combined with sembunyi, tersembunyi indicates that the subject has become hidden or remains unobserved as a characteristic condition. It is not an active verb but a stative description.

Usage and grammar: Tersembunyi functions as an attributive adjective or a predicative predicate. It modifies nouns such as lokasi, informasi, barang, or data, for example: lokasi tersembunyi (hidden location), informasi tersembunyi dalam laporan (information hidden in the report). It can also describe situations or features, e.g., “keaslian tersembunyi di balik fakta-fakta tersebut.” The word is typically contrasted with terlihat (visible) or terbuka (open).

Nuance: The term often carries a sense of secrecy or elusiveness, but does not by itself imply intention; it can simply denote a state of concealment. In context, tersembunyi may refer to something intentionally hidden or merely not yet uncovered in observation or inquiry.

See also: sembunyi, terkontrol, tersembunyi