Slang

1. Rapopo

   It's fine / no worries

   Usage

   A contraction of "ora apa-apa". The best-known Javanese colloquialism, safe with anyone — the perfect reply when someone apologises

2. Yo wis

   All right then

   Usage

   The phrase that accepts and closes a topic. For friends your age and shop staff; with elders use the krama "nggih sampun"

3. Monggo

   Please, go ahead

   Usage

   The word people call quintessentially Javanese — offering a seat, letting someone pass, inviting them to eat. Safe with anyone, and especially appreciated by elders

4. Nuwun

   Thanks

   Usage

   Short for "matur nuwun". For friends and peers — say the full "matur nuwun" to anyone older or senior

5. Suwe ora jamu

   Long time no see

   Usage

   Literally "it's been a long time without jamu (herbal tonic)" — the classic Javanese line for a reunion, used with friends and peers

6. Tenan

   Really / truly

   Usage

   The intensifier. "Enak tenan!" means "really delicious!" Safe with anyone

7. Iyo ta?

   Oh really?

   Usage

   A mildly surprised response, for friends your age. With elders use the krama "Nggih ta?"

8. Lha

   Well then… / but

   Usage

   The sentence-initial particle that shifts the topic — you will hear it constantly. Safe with anyone

9. Halah

   Oh come on

   Usage

   A brush-off interjection, also used to deflect a compliment modestly. For friends your age, not for elders

10. Sik

    Hold on a sec

    Usage

    The colloquial form of "sedhela" (a moment). For friends and peers — with elders say "Sekedhap, nggih"

11. Ndang

    Hurry up

    Usage

    Used to hurry someone along. Only with close friends and family — it is rude to staff or elders

12. Ngopi

    Let's grab a coffee

    Usage

    Sitting over coffee and talking — the Javanese social ritual. A safe invitation to extend to anyone

13. Cak

    Bro (Surabaya)

    Usage

    An affectionate address for an older man in Surabaya and East Java. Men only — in Yogyakarta and Solo people say "Mas" instead

14. Rek

    Guys (Surabaya)

    Usage

    From "arek" (kid, mate) — famous in the Surabaya cheer "Ayo rek!" Use it only among friends your own age

15. Cah ayu

    Sweetie (to a girl)

    Usage

    "Cah" (child) plus "ayu" (beautiful) — an older person's affectionate address to a child or young woman. As a visitor, avoid using it with peers; it sounds over-familiar

16. Gemes

    Cute enough to squeeze

    Usage

    That urge to squeeze something adorable — for babies, children and animals. Aimed at an adult it is inappropriate

17. Piye jal

    So what do you reckon?

    Usage

    A soft, colloquial way of asking for an opinion — for friends and peers

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