menakar

Menakar is an Indonesian verb meaning to measure, gauge, or estimate the amount, size, or capacity of something. It is commonly used when a rough or non-instrumental assessment is made, such as estimating portions in cooking or predicting quantities in planning. The term is derived from the root takar (to measure) with the prefix me-, forming a transitive verb that takes a direct object.

Semantics and nuance: Menakar implies estimation or judging by feel rather than precise measurement. It is distinct from mengukur, which normally refers to measuring with a tool or instrument, and from menaksir, which more specifically denotes estimating value, cost, or magnitude based on judgment.

Usage: Common contexts include cooking, where a chef might say someone is menakar gula, or in logistics and budgeting when rough figures are needed. In scientific or educational discussions, it may describe a preliminary assessment or sizing before precise methods are applied.

Grammar and related terms: As a verbal form, it agrees with the subject (saya menakar, dia menakar, mereka menakar). The noun takaran denotes the act of measuring or a unit of measure derived from the verb, while takaran may refer to the standard amount or portion. Related terms include mengukur (to measure with a tool) and menaksir (to estimate).

See also: takaran, mengukur, menaksir.