menandai

Menandai is an Indonesian verb meaning to mark, to indicate, or to tag. It is used for both physical marking, such as placing a sign or label, and figurative signaling, such as indicating a fact or drawing attention to something. In digital contexts, it commonly means to tag someone or something in a post, photo, or comment.

The word is formed with the prefix me- attached to the root tanda (sign) and the suffix -i to create a transitive verb: menandai. Phonologically, Indonesian undergoes assimilation in some me- forms; the spelling reflects the standard form menandai. Related derivatives include menandakan, which emphasizes indicating or signifying a condition or meaning rather than making a physical mark.

Usage tends to be transitive, requiring a direct object. Examples include:

- Papan ini menandai batas wilayah. (This sign marks the boundary of the area.)

- Perusahaan menandai produk dengan nomor seri. (The company marks the product with a serial number.)

- Saya menandai tanggal rapat di kalender. (I mark the meeting date in the calendar.)

In social media, menandai frequently means to tag someone in a post or photo, as in saya menandai teman di foto itu.

In contrast, menandakan is often used to express that something serves as a sign or indication of something else. For example, tanda bahaya menandakan risiko terkait. See also tanda (sign), tanda tangan (signature), and tagging in digital platforms.