javanesespeechlevels

Ngoko vs Krama in Real Life—What to Say to Grandma vs Friends

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Ngoko vs Krama Javanese speech levels illustration.

By Ky Tutur, Javanese Culturalist • Last Updated: 2025-09-26 If you’re learning Javanese, you’ll quickly discover a fascinating challenge: it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. The same simple question, “Are you hungry?” can be said in two completely different ways depending on whether you’re talking to your best friend… Baca selengkapnya: Ngoko vs Krama in Real Life—What to Say to Grandma vs Friends

Ngoko vs Krama: Politeness Levels That Confuse Even Natives

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Javanese speech levels

By Ky Tutur, Javanese Culturalist • September 25, 2025 “Kowe arep adol iki?” (Are you going to sell this?). Instead of the warm, reciprocal smile you expect, her expression tightens. A flicker of surprise, perhaps even offense, crosses her face. The air, once filled with the lively market chatter, suddenly turns awkward and cold around… Baca selengkapnya: Ngoko vs Krama: Politeness Levels That Confuse Even Natives