mencaricari

Mencari-cari is an Indonesian verb formed by reduplication of the root cari, meaning to search or look for. It conveys searching around for something in a thorough, persistent, or sometimes futile way. The construction often implies effort that is excessive, improvised, or unfocused, and can also be used figuratively to describe attempts to find explanations, reasons, or solutions.

Etymology and form: The term uses the common Indonesian device of kata ulang (reduplication). It is typically written with a hyphen as mencari-cari, though some texts may render it as mencaricari. The reduplication emphasizes the act of searching rather than identifying a single, definite search target.

Usage and nuance: Mencari-cari is common in informal speech and in everyday writing, where a stronger or more vivid sense of searching is desired. It often carries a mildly negative or humorous tone, especially when referring to futile or overcautious searching. With objects, it can be used literally (mencari-cari kunci) or figuratively (mencari-cari alasan).

Examples:

- Dia mencari-cari kunci yang hilang itu sepanjang malam. (He looked for the missing keys all night.)

- Ia sering mencari-cari alasan untuk terlambat. (He often looks for excuses to be late.)

See also: The base verb cari and the broader category of reduplication in Indonesian, which includes various forms used to intensify or modify meaning.