perhatikan

Perhatikan is a common Indonesian verb used as an imperative meaning to pay attention or to observe. It is the imperative form of the verb memperhatikan, and it is widely employed to direct someone to focus on a subject, instruction, or warning. The related noun perhatian means attention, care, or consideration; while they are connected in meaning, perhatian functions as a noun and perhatikan as a verb.

In usage, perhatikan appears in signs, manuals, lectures, and public announcements. In formal writing, phrases such as Harap perhatikan... or Mohon perhatikan... are typical, signaling a request or instruction. The imperative can be made more emphatic or polite with forms like Perhatikanlah or to soften tone with terlebih dahulu perhatikan, depending on context.

Perhatikan can be followed by a noun phrase or a clause, for example: Perhatikan gambar berikut, atau Perhatikan risiko keselamatan. The imperative is direct and concise, suitable for instructional materials, safety notices, and educational contexts. It contrasts with synonyms such as amati (observe) in nuance; amati tends to emphasize careful observation, while perhatikan often foregrounds attention to instructions or warnings.

Etymology and morphology are linked to the noun perhatian (attention) and the verb memperhatikan (to pay attention to). The imperative perhatikan derives from the same lexical core, forming a transitive directive that invites immediate attention to a specified object or statement.

See also: perhatian, memperhatikan, amati, peringatan.