Language/Javanese/Grammar/Present-Tense

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Javanese → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verbs and Tenses → Present Tense

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Javanese Grammar focusing on the present tense! In this lesson, we will explore how to conjugate and use Javanese verbs in the present tense to describe actions happening now. Understanding the present tense is essential for effective communication in Javanese, as it allows us to express what is currently happening. Whether you are traveling to Java or simply interested in learning the language, mastering the present tense will greatly enhance your language skills.

Throughout this lesson, we will provide comprehensive explanations, examples, and exercises to help you grasp the concept of the present tense in Javanese. We will also delve into the cultural aspects of the language, exploring any regional variations and historical reasons for these differences. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to form and use verbs in the present tense, enabling you to confidently express actions happening in the present.

Let's dive in!

Conjugating Verbs in the Present Tense

In Javanese, conjugating verbs in the present tense involves adding specific affixes to the verb base. The affixes used depend on the subject of the sentence. Before we dive into the details, let's first understand how verbs are structured in Javanese.

Verb Structure

Javanese verbs consist of two main parts: the base and the affixes. The base represents the core meaning of the verb, while the affixes modify the verb to convey information about the subject, object, tense, and other grammatical aspects. In this lesson, we will focus specifically on the affixes used to indicate the present tense.

Conjugating Verbs for Different Subjects

In Javanese, the verb affixes differ depending on the subject of the sentence. Let's take a look at how verbs are conjugated for different subjects in the present tense:

Singular Subjects

For singular subjects, such as "I," "you," or "he/she/it," the verb base remains unchanged. Here are some examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Mangan	[maŋɡan]	to eat
Nulis	[nulis]	to write
Nganggo	[ŋaŋɡo]	to wear
Mulih	[muliʔ]	to return

Plural Subjects

For plural subjects, such as "we," "you all," or "they," the verb base is modified by adding the affix "are" before the verb base. Here are some examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Are mangan	[arɛ maŋɡan]	to eat
Are nulis	[arɛ nulis]	to write
Are nganggo	[arɛ ŋaŋɡo]	to wear
Are mulih	[arɛ muliʔ]	to return

Conjugating Verbs for Different Tenses

In Javanese, verbs can be conjugated for different tenses, including the present tense. Let's take a look at how the present tense is formed:

Affixes for the Present Tense

To form the present tense in Javanese, the verb base remains unchanged for singular subjects. However, for plural subjects, the affix "are" is added before the verb base. Here are some examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Mangan	[maŋɡan]	to eat
Are mangan	[arɛ maŋɡan]	to eat
Nulis	[nulis]	to write
Are nulis	[arɛ nulis]	to write
Nganggo	[ŋaŋɡo]	to wear
Are nganggo	[arɛ ŋaŋɡo]	to wear
Mulih	[muliʔ]	to return
Are mulih	[arɛ muliʔ]	to return

Examples and Usage

Now that we understand how to conjugate verbs in the present tense, let's explore some examples and their usage:

Singular Subjects

When using the present tense with singular subjects, the verb base remains unchanged. Here are some examples:

• Aku mangan. (I eat.)
• Kowe nulis. (You write.)
• Sakliyané nganggo. (He/she/it wears.)

Plural Subjects

When using the present tense with plural subjects, the affix "are" is added before the verb base. Here are some examples:

• Kita are mangan. (We eat.)
• Kalian are nulis. (You all write.)
• Wong-wong are nganggo. (They wear.)

Cultural Insight

The usage of the present tense in Javanese reflects the cultural values of the Javanese people. The focus on the present moment aligns with the Javanese philosophy of living in the present and finding contentment in the here and now. This cultural insight adds depth to the language and provides a glimpse into the mindset of the Javanese people.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Below are some exercises to help you reinforce your understanding of the present tense in Javanese. Try to complete each exercise and then check your answers.

Exercise 1

Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense for the given subjects:

1. Mangan (to eat)

  - Aku: _______________
  - Kowe: _______________
  - Sakliyané: _______________

2. Nulis (to write)

  - Aku: _______________
  - Kowe: _______________
  - Sakliyané: _______________

Exercise 2

Translate the following sentences into Javanese using the present tense:

1. They eat. 2. We write. 3. I wear.

Exercise 3

Create your own sentences using the present tense in Javanese. Be creative and try to include different verb bases and subjects.

Solutions

Exercise 1

1. Mangan (to eat)

  - Aku: Mangan
  - Kowe: Nulis
  - Sakliyané: Nganggo

2. Nulis (to write)

  - Aku: Nulis
  - Kowe: Nulis
  - Sakliyané: Nulis

Exercise 2

1. They eat. - Wong-wong mangan. 2. We write. - Kita nulis. 3. I wear. - Aku nganggo.

Exercise 3

(Answers may vary)

1. Aku mangan rujak. (I eat rujak.) 2. Kowe nulis surat. (You write a letter.) 3. Sakliyané nganggo baju loro. (He/she/it wears a green shirt.)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to conjugate and use Javanese verbs in the present tense to describe actions happening now. By mastering the present tense, you can now confidently express what is currently happening in Javanese. Keep practicing and exploring the Javanese language to further enhance your language skills.

In the next lesson, we will delve into the past tense, allowing you to describe completed actions in Javanese. Selamat nggih (Good job) and sampai ketemu (see you) in the next lesson!

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
• Javanese language - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Pronouns
• Future Tense
• Nouns
• Possessive Pronouns
• Gender
• Descriptive Adjectives
• How to Use Be
• Plurals
• Give your Opinion
• Adverbs of Manner

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