Javanese, primarily spoken in the central and eastern parts of the island of Java, Indonesia, is one of the most spoken languages in the world. It has three main levels of speech, ranging from informal (Ngoko) used with friends and family, to semi-formal (Madya), to the formal (Krama) used in respectful or formal situations. This lesson will focus on the Ngoko level for general applicability, with mentions of Krama where appropriate.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi (informal) – “Halo” / “Hai”
• Good morning – “Sugeng énjing” (Krama) / “Selamat esuk” (Ngoko)
• Good afternoon – “Sugeng siang” (Krama) / “Selamat siang” (Ngoko)
• Good evening – “Sugeng dalu” (Krama) / “Selamat dalu” (Ngoko)
• Goodbye – “Mugi kito pirengan maneh” (Krama) / “Sampai jumpa” (Ngoko)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Nami kulo [name]” (Krama) / “Jenengku [name]” (Ngoko)
• This is [name]. – “Menika [name]” (Krama) / “Iki [name]” (Ngoko)
• I am from [country/city]. – “Kulo saking [country/city]” (Krama) / “Aku saka [country/city]” (Ngoko)
• I live in [city/place]. – “Kulo manggen ing [city/place]” (Krama) / “Aku manggon nang [city/place]” (Ngoko)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Pundi papan [place]?” (Krama) / “Endi [place]?” (Ngoko)
• How do I get to [place]? – “Piye carane tekan [place]?” (Ngoko)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Apa iki dalan munggah [place]?” (Ngoko)
• Can you show me on the map? – “Bisa nunjukake aku nang peta?” (Ngoko)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Nuwun sewu, kulo boten ngertos” (Krama) / “Maaf, aku ora ngerti” (Ngoko)
• Can you please repeat that? – “Bisa diulang maneh?” (Ngoko)
• I mean… – “Maksude aku…” (Ngoko)
• What does [word] mean? – “Apa tegese [word]?” (Ngoko)

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Mangga, kito ketemu maneh” (Krama) / “Ya, ketemu maneh” (Ngoko)
• Take care – “Nglampahi slamet” (Krama) / “Ati-ati yo” (Ngoko)
• Have a good day – “Mugi dinten sampeyan sae” (Krama) / “Mugo dino kowe apik” (Ngoko)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Kulo badhe pesen kamar” (Krama) / “Aku pengen pesen kamar” (Ngoko)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Bisa ndeleng menu?” (Ngoko)
• I am vegetarian. – “Aku vegetarian” (Ngoko)
• The bill, please. – “Tolong, tagihane” (Ngoko)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Pira regine iki?” (Ngoko)
• Do you have this in another size? – “Apa kowe duwe iki nang ukuran liyane?” (Ngoko)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Mung mriksa wae, matur nuwun” (Ngoko)
• Can I pay by card? – “Bisa mbayar nganggo kartu?” (Ngoko)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Kowe ayu tenan” (to a woman, Ngoko) / “Kowe ganteng tenan” (to a man, Ngoko)
• I miss you. – “Aku kangen kowe” (Ngoko)
• I love you. – “Aku tresna marang kowe” (Ngoko)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Kepengin metu karo aku?” (Ngoko)

Emergencies

• Help! – “Tulung!” (Ngoko)
• Call the police! – “Tulung telpon polisi!” (Ngoko)
• I need a doctor. – “Aku butuh dokter” (Ngoko)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Endi rumah sakit sing paling cedhak?” (Ngoko)

These phrases offer a solid foundation for basic communication in Javanese. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Javanese media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Javanese.