Greetings

17 phrases · Javanese with romanization, English and audio

  1. Sugeng rawuh

    Su-geng ra-wuh

    Hello / Welcome

    Usage

    Formal welcome greeting in Krama (polite) Javanese

    Grammar Note

    Krama (formal/polite) register. In casual Ngoko: "Slamet teka". Javanese has a speech-level system (Ngoko vs. Krama) based on the relative social status of the speakers.

  2. Sugeng enjing

    Su-geng en-jing

    Good morning

    Usage

    Morning greeting in formal Krama Javanese

    Grammar Note

    "Enjing" is the Krama word for morning; the Ngoko equivalent is "esuk". Greetings change by time of day.

  3. Matur nuwun

    Ma-tur nu-wun

    Thank you

    Usage

    Formal thank you in Krama Javanese

    Grammar Note

    Literally "I humbly express thanks". Ngoko equivalent: "Matur suwun" or "Suwun". The most polite expression of gratitude in Krama.

  4. Kula mboten mangertos

    Ku-la mbo-ten ma-nger-tos

    I don't understand

    Usage

    Polite Krama phrase for when you don't understand

    Grammar Note

    "Kula" (I) + "mboten" (not) + "mangertos" (understand). Ngoko equivalent: "Aku ora ngerti".

  5. Nuwun sewu

    Nu-wun se-wu

    Excuse me / I beg your pardon

    Usage

    Used before addressing someone or as a polite apology

    Grammar Note

    Literally "a thousand requests". An idiomatic expression of deep humility. Frequently used as a preface before speaking.

  6. Sugeng siang

    Su-geng si-ang

    Good afternoon

    Usage

    Afternoon greeting in formal Krama Javanese

    Grammar Note

    Time-based greetings: "Sugeng enjing" (morning), "Sugeng siang" (afternoon), "Sugeng sore" (evening), "Sugeng dalu" (night).

  7. Nami kula...

    Na-mi ku-la...

    My name is...

    Usage

    Introducing yourself in formal Krama Javanese

    Grammar Note

    To give your own name, use the Krama "nami": "Nami kula ..." = "My name is ...". The same word appears in the Accommodation category accom-001 ("kanthi nami [nami]") and the Contacts & SNS category cont-001 ("Naminipun sinten?"). "Asma" is krama inggil and refers to the other person's name (the Question Words category qst-023 uses "asmanipun" of the addressee), so applying it to yourself is self-honorification. Ngoko: "Aku jenengku ...".

  8. Sampun sae

    Sam-pun sa-e

    It's fine / That's okay

    Usage

    Declining something politely or saying "it's fine" in Krama

    Grammar Note

    Ngoko equivalent: "Wis apik". "Sampun" marks completion in Krama. Used to politely decline offers or say things are fine.

  9. Panjenengan saking pundi?

    Pan-je-ne-ngan sa-king pun-di?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    Politely asking where someone comes from in Krama Javanese

    Grammar Note

    "Panjenengan" is the highest honorific 2nd person pronoun. Levels: Panjenengan > Sampeyan > Kowe/Kamu (informal).

  10. Sugeng tindak

    Su-geng tin-dak

    Goodbye / Safe travels

    Usage

    Farewell to someone who is departing, in formal Krama Javanese

    Grammar Note

    "Tindak" is the Krama word for "go/depart". Ngoko: "Sugeng lunga". Said by those staying to those leaving.

  11. Kamar mandi ana ngendi?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Used to ask where the toilet or bathroom is

    Grammar Note

    "Kamar mandi" (bathroom) is borrowed from Indonesian. "Ana ngendi" is Ngoko (informal) for "where is." Krama (formal): "wonten pundi?"

  12. Kula mboten saged basa Jawi

    I can't speak Javanese

    Usage

    Used to tell someone you cannot speak Javanese

    Grammar Note

    This uses Krama (polite register). Ngoko (informal): "Aku ora iso ngomong Basa Jawa." Javanese has a multi-tier speech level system: Ngoko, Madya, and Krama

  13. Kula badhe dhateng malih

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop

  14. Kula remen sanget

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting ways

  15. Matur nuwun, ketemu maneh yo

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual way to say goodbye

  16. Sugeng dalu

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before going to sleep, e.g. to a guesthouse host. Follows the same "Sugeng + time of day" pattern as "Sugeng enjing" (good morning)

  17. Sami-sami

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Response to being thanked

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