sembunyi

Sembunyi is a native Indonesian verb meaning to hide or conceal. It can refer to the physical act of taking cover as well as to concealing information, emotions, or intentions. In everyday language, it appears mainly in two related forms: bersembunyi, meaning to hide oneself; and menyembunyikan, meaning to hide something else.

Common constructions include bersembunyi di balik pintu or di balik semak, and menyembunyikan kunci di laci. Bersembuny i emphasizes the act of hiding oneself, while menyembunyikan focuses on concealing an object or piece of information. The phrase menyembunyikan diri is also used to express hiding one’s own whereabouts or identity.

Grammar and usage: Indonesian verbs do not change form for tense. Time reference is provided by context or by using adverbs and auxiliary words. Examples: dia bersembunyi sekarang; dia telah bersembunyi; mereka bersembunyi di balik pepohonan. The imperative form is sembunyi, meaning “Hide!” as a command. Negative constructions include dia tidak bersembunyi or dia tidak menyembunyikan kebenaran.

Etymology and notes: Sembunyi is a core Indonesian word with Malay–Indonesian usage. Related forms include menyembunyikan (transitive) and penyembunyian (concealment). The term is common in everyday speech, literature, and media, often in contexts involving secrecy, camouflage, or the act of avoiding detection.

See also: bahasa Indonesia, kata kerja, bersembunyi, menyembunyikan, penyembunyian.