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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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).
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 ...".
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.
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).
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.
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?"
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
Kula badhe dhateng malih
I'll come again
Usage
Said when leaving a shop
Kula remen sanget
I had a great time
Usage
Said when parting ways
Matur nuwun, ketemu maneh yo
Thanks, see you
Usage
A casual way to say goodbye
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)
Sami-sami
You're welcome
Usage
Response to being thanked
More Javanese phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
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