Language/Javanese/Vocabulary/Family

Javanese Vocabulary - Family

Hi Javanese learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will explore the vocabulary related to family in Javanese language. Knowing this vocabulary can be useful when communicating with Javanese people, especially when you need to introduce your family members or talk about family-related topics.

Introduction

Family is very important in Javanese culture. It is the foundation of society, and family ties are valued more than anything else. Javanese people tend to have big families and extended relatives can be considered as part of the family. Therefore, knowing family-related vocabulary will help you understand their culture better and build closer relationships with them.

Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Fruits, Count from 1 to 10, How to say Good Bye? & Count to 10.

Family Terminologies

The table below shows some of the most common family-related terms in Javanese:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Kulawarga	/kula.wär.ga/	Family
Ama	/ämä/	Father
Ibu	/ibu/	Mother
Mbah	/mbä:/	Grandparent
Mami	/mä.mi/	Grandma
Dede	/də.də/	Grandchild
Ana	/änä/	Child
Wong Cilik	/woŋ tʃi.lik/	Kid
Kakang	/kä.käŋ/	Older Brother
Mbok	/mbɔk/	Older Sister
Adik	/a.dik/	Younger Sibling
Sanak	/sä.näk/	Relative

Here are some examples of these terms in use:

• Person 1: Ama iki piye kabare? (How is your father?)
• Person 2: Ama iki sehat. Matur nuwun nanya. (My father is healthy. Thank you for asking.)
• Person 1: Ana saka omah durung rabi. (Their child is not married yet)
• Person 2: Ana iku masih Wong Cilik, ngendi-mana duwe pacar? (That child is still a kid, where would they have a boyfriend/girlfriend?)

Family Members

In Javanese family tradition, there are specific terminologies for addressing different family members. These terms are also used to show respect and affection towards the family members.

Father and Mother

• "Ama" means father
• "Ibu" means mother
• "Bapak" & "Ayah" also means 'father' but they used in different regions of Indonesia

Grandparents

• "Mbah" means grandparent (can be used for grandfather or grandmother, depends on the context)
• "Mami" means grandma (more specifically for grandmother)
• "Papi" or "Kakek" means grandpa (more specifically for grandfather)

Siblings and Cousins

• "Kakang" is used for older brother
• "Mboten" or "Mbok" is used for older sister
• "Adik" is used for younger siblings (brother or sister)

Note that "kakang" and "mbok" are used only for older siblings from the same parents. If you want to talk about siblings from different parents, use "sanak ing panggonan" for brother and "sanak nanging pangarep" for sister.

As for cousins, there is no specific term in Javanese. You can use "sanak" to refer to any cousins from both sides of the family.

Children and Relatives

• "Ana" means child
• "Wong cilik" means kid
• "Sanak" means relatives (usually used for extended family members)

Here is an example dialogue:

• Person 1: Ama iki piye kabare (How is your father?)
• Person 2: Ama iku sehat. (My father is healthy.)
• Person 1: Mbok-mbok-e piye? (How about your sisters?)
• Person 2: Mbok-e iku sehat, sedulur-sedulure wis nikah kabeh (My sisters are healthy, all of them are married already)

Conclusion

Congratulations, you now know some important family vocabulary in Javanese! In Javanese culture, family is important and knowing how to address family members can be a way to show respect and affection. Don't be afraid to practice with native Javanese speakers you can find on the Polyglot Club.

➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Javanese - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
• Javanese language - Wikipedia
• Javanese Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: How to Say Goodbye in Javanese, Say Hello and Greetings in Javanese, Relationship Terms & Introducing Yourself.

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• Count from 1 to 10
• Clothes
• Feelings and Emotions
• Food
• The 4 Seasons
• Animals
• Fruits
• Days of the Week
• Greetings
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