Language/Javanese/Vocabulary/Express-Surprise

Javanese Vocabulary - Express Surprise

Hi Javanese learners! 😊
In this lesson, you will learn how to express surprise in Javanese, with cultural information and interesting facts along the way. Don't forget that you can also improve your Vocabulary by using Polyglot Club. Find native speakers and ask them any questions. Let's get started! 🚀

Vocabulary

Here is a list of words and phrases you can use to express surprise in Javanese:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Apiké !! ȧ-pi-ké	Wow!/Oh my!/Gosh!
Èngghépò !! ê-ŋghê-pò	Oh no!/Oh my God!
Pérkééééééén !! pêr-ké-hen	No way!/Seriously?
Agghéén !! ȧg-ghêên	Really?/Is that so?
Tuyúúú !! tu-yú-hu	Amazing!/Incredible!
Kok ngênèk!! / Kok endèk!! !! kôk ń ghê-nêk / kôk èn-dêk	How is it possible?/How can it be?

In Javanese, we use a lot of onomatopoeia to express emotions, such as surprise. For instance, the word "perkéén" (surprised) is formed from the word "kéén" and the prefix "per-". "Kéén" itself is an onomatopoeic word that sounds like someone taking a sharp breath due to surprise or shock. The prefix "per-" intensifies the meaning.

Likewise, the word "agghéén" (really?) is formed from the word "ghéén" (to say) and the prefix "ag-". In this case, the prefix "ag-" adds a tone of incredulity to the question, as if saying "Are you really saying that?"

In Javanese culture, expressing surprise is common, especially when interacting with someone for the first time. People also use it to show polite interest in someone's life or stories. So, if you are in Java and someone greets you with "Apiké!" or "Tuyúúú!", don't be surprised! 😜

Dialogue

Here is a dialogue where you can see the words in context:

• Person 1: Apiké! Nggih uga ngunu-ngunu semono niki? (Wow! Is that really true?)
• Person 2: Iya, kulo ora bohong. (Yes, I'm not lying.)
• Person 1: Pérkééééééén? Wauw, kulo ora duwe tembung. (No way! I have no words.)
• Person 2: Kok ngênèk! Kulo uga miwiti cilaka, sapiiku nunggal njaba (How is it possible! I also started from scratch, my cow just died yesterday.)

Sources

• Javanese

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