Language/Javanese/Grammar/Descriptive-Adjectives

Javanese → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Adjectives and Adverbs → Descriptive Adjectives

Javanese descriptive adjectives are used to describe the qualities of nouns, such as size, color, and shape. In this lesson, you will learn how to use descriptive adjectives in Javanese sentences.

Formation of Descriptive Adjectives

Javanese descriptive adjectives are formed by adding the suffix '-an' or '-en' to a noun or a verb stem. For example,

• Besar (big) becomes besaran or besaren (big size)
• Putih (white) becomes putihan or putihen (whiteness)
• Gede (large) becomes gedhen or gedhenen (largeness)

Note that the suffix '-an' or '-en' is used differently depending on the initial sound of the noun. If the initial sound is a vowel, '-an' is used. If the initial sound is a consonant, '-en' is used.

Usage of Descriptive Adjectives

In Javanese, the descriptive adjective follows the noun it modifies. For example,

• Witing tresna jalaran saka kulinaresmi (True love stems from purity)

In this sentence, 'kulinaresmi' (purity) is modified by 'tresna' (true love). The descriptive adjective 'kulinaresmi' follows the noun it modifies.

Here are some more examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Tembung anane gede.	tɛmbʊŋ ananɛ gedɛ]	The tree is large.
Wadon anane ngetan.	wadɔn ananɛ ŋɛtan]	The woman is beautiful.
Buku iki pancen apik.	bʊku iki pantʃɛn apik]	This book is really good.
Latar putihan iki apik.	latar putihan iki apik]	This white background is good.

Comparison of Adjectives

Javanese comparison of adjectives is formed by adding the word 'luwih' or 'lèbih' (more) before the adjective to indicate a comparative degree. To indicate the superlative degree, the word 'paling' (the most) is added before the adjective. For example,

• Laras iki luwih apik saka laras liyané (This shirt is more beautiful than the other shirt)
• Laras iki paling apik ing kene (This shirt is the most beautiful here)

Exercises

Translate the following sentences into Javanese.

• This apple is red.
• My cat is fat.
• The sky is blue.
• Her hair is black.

Conclusion

In this lesson, you have learned how to use Javanese descriptive adjectives to describe the qualities of nouns. You have also learned how to compare adjectives in Javanese. Keep practicing and you will be able to form Javanese sentences with ease!

Table of Contents - Javanese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Sentence Structure

• Subject-Verb-Object
• Questions and Negations

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Terms

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Food and Drinks

• Common Foods
• Drinks and Beverages

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Manner

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Vocabulary

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Basic Prepositions
• Common Conjunctions

  ---

Javanese Customs and Etiquette

• Politeness Levels
• Social Etiquette

Related Lessons

• Subject Verb Object
• Negation
• Personal Pronouns
• Past Tense
• Adverbs of Manner
• Gender
• Future Tense
• Conditional Mood
• Questions

Sources

• Describing Character in Javanese: Three Grammatical Categories
• Javanese Grammar for Students (review) - Project MUSE