mempelajari

Mempelajari is an Indonesian verb meaning to study or to learn, with an emphasis on the act of acquiring knowledge about a particular subject. It is used to describe deliberate, structured study of a topic, rather than casual or incidental learning.

Grammatically, mempelajari is a transitive verb formed with the prefix me- and the suffix -i, and it takes a direct object that names what is being studied. For example, Saya mempelajari bahasa Indonesia. The corresponding passive form is dipelajari, meaning “is studied” or “has been studied.” Tense in Indonesian is typically indicated by time adverbs or context rather than verb inflection.

In usage, mempelajari often appears in more formal or written contexts. In everyday speech, many speakers prefer belajar to convey the general sense of studying or learning. Mempelajari can carry the nuance of a systematic or extended learning effort, such as coursework, research, or study of a discipline, whereas belajar can refer to learning in a broader or less formal sense.

Related terms include mengkaji, menelaah (to scrutinize or examine closely), and kajian (a study or analysis). Mempelajari thus sits between casual learning and formal study, signaling purposeful engagement with material over time.