Language/Javanese/Grammar/Basic-Prepositions

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Javanese → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Prepositions and Conjunctions → Basic Prepositions

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the basic prepositions in the Javanese language. Prepositions are essential in expressing relationships between words, such as location, time, and direction. By mastering these prepositions, you will be able to construct more accurate and meaningful sentences in Javanese. This lesson is part of the larger course titled "Complete 0 to A1 Javanese Course," which aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to communicate effectively in Javanese.

Overview

Throughout this lesson, we will delve into the details of basic prepositions in Javanese. We will cover a wide range of prepositions and provide numerous examples to illustrate their usage. Additionally, we will explore any regional variations in the usage or understanding of these prepositions, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage of the Javanese language. Finally, we will conclude the lesson with a series of exercises and practice scenarios for you to apply what you have learned.

Basic Prepositions in Javanese

Prepositions in Javanese are used to indicate relationships between words. They can express various concepts, including location, time, direction, and possession. Let's now explore some of the most commonly used prepositions in Javanese:

1. Nanging (But)

The preposition "nanging" is used to indicate contrast or contradiction. It is similar to the English word "but." Here are a few examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Nanging aku seneng, aku ora mlaku.	Nanging aku seneng, aku ora mlaku.	But I am happy, I am not walking.
Aku pengin mangan, nanging aku ora duwe dhuwit.	Aku pengin mangan, nanging aku ora duwe dhuwit.	I want to eat, but I don't have money.
Aku wis coba, nanging aku ora bisa.	Aku wis coba, nanging aku ora bisa.	I have tried, but I can't.

2. Kanti (With)

The preposition "kanti" is used to indicate accompaniment or being together with someone or something. It is similar to the English word "with." Here are a few examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Aku mangan kanti temenan.	Aku mangan kanti temenan.	I eat with my friend.
Aku mlaku kanti ayam.	Aku mlaku kanti ayam.	I walk with a chicken.
Aku dolan kanti keluarga.	Aku dolan kanti keluarga.	I go out with my family.

3. Nanging (But)

The preposition "nanging" is used to indicate contrast or contradiction. It is similar to the English word "but." Here are a few examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Nanging aku seneng, aku ora mlaku.	Nanging aku seneng, aku ora mlaku.	But I am happy, I am not walking.
Aku pengin mangan, nanging aku ora duwe dhuwit.	Aku pengin mangan, nanging aku ora duwe dhuwit.	I want to eat, but I don't have money.
Aku wis coba, nanging aku ora bisa.	Aku wis coba, nanging aku ora bisa.	I have tried, but I can't.

4. Kanti (With)

The preposition "kanti" is used to indicate accompaniment or being together with someone or something. It is similar to the English word "with." Here are a few examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Aku mangan kanti temenan.	Aku mangan kanti temenan.	I eat with my friend.
Aku mlaku kanti ayam.	Aku mlaku kanti ayam.	I walk with a chicken.
Aku dolan kanti keluarga.	Aku dolan kanti keluarga.	I go out with my family.

5. Ing (In, At)

The preposition "ing" is used to indicate location or time. It can be translated as "in" or "at" in English. Here are a few examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Aku tinemu wong kasebut ing pasar.	Aku tinemu wong kasebut ing pasar.	I met that person at the market.
Siang iki aku mangan nasi ing warung.	Siang iki aku mangan nasi ing warung.	Today I ate rice at the restaurant.
Aku wis takon ing sakdurunge.	Aku wis takon ing sakdurunge.	I asked before.

6. Kaya (Like, Similar to)

The preposition "kaya" is used to indicate similarity or comparison. It can be translated as "like" or "similar to" in English. Here are a few examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Aku pengin mangan kaya sing dadi.	Aku pengin mangan kaya sing dadi.	I want to eat like you.
Kembang-kembang iki kaya mawar.	Kembang-kembang iki kaya mawar.	These flowers are like roses.
Aku pengin weruh kaya loro.	Aku pengin weruh kaya loro.	I want to see it like you.

Regional Variations and Cultural Significance

As with any language, there may be regional variations in the usage or understanding of prepositions in Javanese. These variations can stem from differences in dialects or cultural practices. For example, certain prepositions may be more commonly used in specific regions or social contexts. It is essential to be aware of these variations to communicate effectively with different Javanese speakers.

Historically, Javanese prepositions have been heavily influenced by the cultural and historical background of the Javanese people. The usage of prepositions often reflects the Javanese worldview and values. For instance, the preposition "kanti" emphasizes the importance of togetherness and communal harmony, which are highly valued in Javanese culture.

Exercises

Now it's time to practice using basic prepositions in Javanese. Complete the following exercises, and then check your answers below.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition (nanging, kanti, ing, kaya):

1. Aku dolan __________ pasar. 2. Aku mangan __________ keluarga. 3. Aku seneng __________ kembang-kembang iki. 4. Aku pengin mangan __________ wong kasebut.

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences from English to Javanese:

1. I go to school with my friends. 2. The book is on the table. 3. She looks like her mother. 4. We meet at the park.

Exercise 3: Translate the following sentences from Javanese to English:

1. Aku mangan kanti ayam. 2. Aku wis takon ing sakdurunge. 3. Kembang-kembang iki kaya anggrek. 4. Aku pengin mangan kaya wong kasebut.

Exercise Solutions

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition (nanging, kanti, ing, kaya):

1. Aku dolan __ing__ pasar. 2. Aku mangan __kanti__ keluarga. 3. Aku seneng __kaya__ kembang-kembang iki. 4. Aku pengin mangan __kanti__ wong kasebut.

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences from English to Javanese:

1. Aku mlaku kanti temenan ing sekolah. 2. Buku iku __ing__ meja. 3. Aja kaya ibune. 4. Kita ketemu __ing__ taman.

Exercise 3: Translate the following sentences from Javanese to English:

1. I eat with a chicken. 2. I asked before. 3. These flowers are like orchids. 4. I want to eat like that person.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned the basic prepositions in Javanese. These prepositions play a crucial role in expressing relationships between words and enhancing the clarity of your sentences. By practicing the exercises and applying what you have learned, you will become more proficient in using prepositions in Javanese. Keep up the good work, and continue your journey to mastering the Javanese language!

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

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Food and Drinks

• Common Foods
• Drinks and Beverages

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Manner

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Vocabulary

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Basic Prepositions
• Common Conjunctions

  ---

Javanese Customs and Etiquette

• Politeness Levels
• Social Etiquette

Sources

• Javanese Grammar | LEARN101.ORG
• Learn Javanese - Grammar and Vocabulary

Other Lessons

• Give your Opinion
• Personal Pronouns
• Questions
• Adjectives
• Questions and Negations
• Nouns
• Future Tense
• Conditional Mood
• Past Tense

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