List of Basic Javanese Vocabulary for Tourists on Vacation in Jogja

KabarJawa.com – A holiday to Yogyakarta won’t be complete if you don’t try to interact with local residents using the regional language.

Even though most Jogja residents are fluent in Indonesian, using a little Javanese, especially Krama Alus/Polite, will give the impression of being very respectful and often make local residents friendlier.

For this reason, the information collected KabarJawa.comThe following is a list of basic Javanese vocabulary that tourists should master:

Basic Vocabulary

In Javanese culture, etiquette or uploading plays an important role. Choosing the right words reflects a respectful attitude towards the person you are talking to.

Some basic expressions to remember include:

• Thank you: Thank you.
• Nyuwun sewu / Amit: Excuse me. Usually said when you want to ask a waiter.
• I’m sorry: I’m sorry.
• Monggo: Go ahead or come. It is commonly heard when someone invites another person.
• Ndherek langkung: Passing by. Said while bending slightly when passing by someone who is sitting.
• Nggih / Injih: Yes or yes in a very polite form.
• Mboten: No.

Using these terms helps tourists appear more polite in the eyes of local people.

Shopping Provisions at Traditional Markets

The Malioboro area and traditional markets such as Beringharjo Market are favorite destinations for tourists who want to hunt for batik or typical souvenirs. When making a transaction, choosing softer language can create a more intimate bargaining atmosphere.

Some vocabulary that can be used include:

• Pinten?: How much does it cost? It is recommended to use this word rather than “Piro” which is classified as ngoko or less refined.
• Tumbas: Buy.
• Cash: Expensive. In ngoko it is called “Forbidden”.
• Mirah: Cheap.
• Less/Less: Less or could be less?
• Pas-e pinten?: How much does the pas cost?
• Menika: Here.
• Niku: That.

Words for Asking for Directions and Taking Traditional Transportation

When exploring corners of the city or using traditional transportation such as pedicabs and horse carts, the ability to understand directional terms will be very helpful.

Some important phrases to know include:

• Ajeng follow pundi?: Where do you want to go? Usually uttered by pedicab drivers.
• Teng pundi?: Where?
• Mriki: Here.
• Mrika: There.
• Truly.
• Nursery: Agriculture.
• Straight: Straight.
• Mandap: Down. Said when you want to stop the vehicle.

Additional Vocabulary

Apart from basic conversation and shopping needs, there are a number of other words that are often used in everyday conversation. Here are some of them:

• Sinten?: Who?
• Kula: I am.
• You: You or you are in an ethereal form.
• Pinarak: Stop by, usually as an invitation to come in.
• Dahar: Eat.
• Nginjuk/Drink: Drink.
• Toya: Water, especially plain water.
• Sell: Sales.
• There is / Enek : There is.
• Nderek ting wingking: Hitchhiking to the toilet or toilet. This is the most polite way to ask about these facilities.

Apart from that, for tourists who are not yet confident in using Javanese, there is no need to worry anymore. Jogja residents are known to be friendly and open to immigrants.

If in doubt, just start the conversation with the sentence, “Nyuwun sewu, sir/madam…”, then continue in Indonesian.

This simple approach shows good faith in respecting local culture. The interaction remains warm without reducing the comfort of both parties.***