merangkai

Merangkai is an Indonesian verb that means to arrange, assemble, or connect items into a cohesive whole. It can describe both physical organization, such as creating a bouquet or wiring a circuit, and the assembly of ideas or narratives, such as composing sentences or weaving a story. The term is used across crafts, design, language, and technology.

Etymology and form: Merangkai is formed from the root rangkai with the prefix mer- and the suffix -kan, indicating the act of making or causing a state. The related noun rangkaian denotes a sequence, chain, or circuit. The word can be applied to tangible objects as well as abstract constructs.

Contexts and examples: Common uses include merangkai bunga (flower arranging), merangkai kata (stringing words to form coherent text), and merangkai cerita (weaving a narrative). In technical fields, merangkai rangkaian listrik refers to assembling an electronic circuit. In daily life, one might merangkai bekal, merangkai acara, or merangkai ide as part of planning and presentation.

Nuance and related terms: Merangkai is closely related to menyusun (to organize or arrange) but emphasizes linking elements into a connected whole rather than merely placing items in order. It often carries a sense of intentionality and creativity, whether dealing with physical objects or conceptual constructs. In practice, merangkai can describe both craft-based activities and the process of constructing complex ideas or systems.