Useful Phrases

1. Aku sing nggawe aplikasi iki

   A-ku sing ngga-we a-pli-ka-si i-ki

   I made this app

   Usage

   Introduce the app in Javanese

   Grammar Note

   Javanese has complex speech levels (ngoko/krama). "Aku" is the informal first person

2. Aplikasi iki gratis

   A-pli-ka-si i-ki gra-tis

   This app is free

   Usage

   Explain the app is free

   Grammar Note

   Javanese has no copula. Nouns and predicates are juxtaposed to form sentences

3. Coba unduh dhisik

   Co-ba un-duh dhi-sik

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Dhisik" (first/for now) is a Javanese softener for suggestions and light imperatives

4. Aku wong Jepang

   A-ku wong Je-pang

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Introduce your nationality

   Grammar Note

   "Wong" (person) + country = nationality. The standard pattern in Javanese

5. Aku pelancong

   A-ku pe-lan-cong

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Identify yourself as a traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Pelancong" is a loanword from Malay/Indonesian meaning "traveler/tourist"

6. Aku lelungan dhewe

   A-ku le-lu-ngan dhe-we

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Tell others you are traveling solo

   Grammar Note

   "Dhewe" means "alone/by oneself" in Javanese — a reflexive-like adverb

7. Iki pertama kali aku rene

   I-ki per-ta-ma ka-li a-ku re-ne

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Express that this is your first visit

   Grammar Note

   "Pertama kali" (first time) is borrowed from Indonesian into Javanese

8. Apa aku oleh foto?

   A-pa a-ku o-leh fo-to?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Ask for permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Oleh" expresses permission (allowed/may) in Javanese

9. Apa kita bisa foto bareng?

   A-pa ki-ta bi-sa fo-to ba-reng?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Bareng" is the Javanese adverb meaning "together"

10. Tulung scan kode QR iki

    Tu-lung scan ko-de QR i-ki

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Ask someone to scan the QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Tulung" (please/help) is the Javanese polite request word

11. Aja ngapusi aku / Aja ngekek regane

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Strong protest used when being cheated or overcharged

    Grammar Note

    "Aja" is the Ngoko prohibition imperative. "Ngapusi" uses the "ng-" active prefix meaning to deceive. Krama: "Ampun ngapusi kula"

12. Aja nganggep entheng aku

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone dismisses or disrespects you

    Grammar Note

    "Entheng" means light/trivial. "Nganggep entheng" = treat as trivial = to underestimate. Ngoko register. Krama: "Ampun nganggep entheng kula"

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