Language/Javanese/Vocabulary/Family-Members
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will explore the Javanese vocabulary related to family members. Family is an important aspect of Javanese culture, and understanding the words for different family members is crucial for effective communication. By learning these words, you will be able to talk about your family and understand when others talk about theirs. This knowledge will greatly enhance your ability to engage in conversations and build relationships with native Javanese speakers.
In this lesson, we will cover a wide range of family members, including immediate family members like parents, siblings, and children, as well as extended family members like grandparents, aunts, and uncles. We will also learn some useful phrases and expressions related to family relationships. By the end of this lesson, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Javanese family vocabulary and be able to confidently use it in your conversations.
Immediate Family Members[edit | edit source]
Let's start by learning the Javanese words for immediate family members. These are the people who are most closely related to you and play a significant role in your life.
Parents[edit | edit source]
The word for "father" in Javanese is "bapak" or "ayah". The word for "mother" is "ibu". These are the most common words used to refer to one's parents in Javanese.
| Javanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| bapak | /bɑ.pɑk/ or /ɑ.jɑh/ | father |
| ibu | /i.bu/ | mother |
Siblings[edit | edit source]
The word for "older brother" in Javanese is "mas" or "kakang". The word for "older sister" is "mbak" or "kakang". The word for "younger brother" is "adik". The word for "younger sister" is "adik".
| Javanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| mas | /mɑs/ or /kɑ.kɑŋ/ | older brother |
| mbak | /mbɑk/ or /kɑ.kɑŋ/ | older sister |
| adik | /ɑ.dik/ | younger brother/sister |
Children[edit | edit source]
The word for "son" in Javanese is "putra". The word for "daughter" is "putri". These are the words commonly used to refer to one's children in Javanese.
| Javanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| putra | /put.rɑ/ | son |
| putri | /put.ri/ | daughter |
Extended Family Members[edit | edit source]
Now let's move on to the Javanese words for extended family members. These are the relatives who are not part of your immediate family but still hold a special place in your life.
Grandparents[edit | edit source]
The word for "grandfather" in Javanese is "kakek" or "dandhang". The word for "grandmother" is "nenek" or "dandhang". These are the most common words used to refer to one's grandparents in Javanese.
| Javanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| kakek | /kɑ.kɛk/ or /dɑnd.hɑŋ/ | grandfather |
| nenek | /nɛ.nɛk/ or /dɑnd.hɑŋ/ | grandmother |
Aunts and Uncles[edit | edit source]
The word for "aunt" in Javanese is "bu guru" or "mbah". The word for "uncle" is "pak guru" or "mbah". These words are commonly used to refer to one's aunts and uncles in Javanese.
| Javanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| bu guru | /bu ɡu.ru/ | aunt |
| mbah | /mbɑh/ | aunt/uncle |
| pak guru | /pɑk ɡu.ru/ | uncle |
Cousins[edit | edit source]
The word for "male cousin" in Javanese is "mbah" or "sepupu". The word for "female cousin" is "mbak" or "sepupu". These words can be used to refer to both male and female cousins in Javanese.
| Javanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| mbah | /mbɑh/ | male cousin |
| mbak | /mbɑk/ | female cousin |
| sepupu | /sɛ.pu.pu/ | cousin |
In-Laws[edit | edit source]
The word for "father-in-law" in Javanese is "bapak mertua". The word for "mother-in-law" is "ibu mertua". The word for "brother-in-law" is "adhi mertua". The word for "sister-in-law" is "adhi mertua". These are the most common words used to refer to one's in-laws in Javanese.
| Javanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| bapak mertua | /bɑ.pɑk mɛr.tu.ɑ/ | father-in-law |
| ibu mertua | /i.bu mɛr.tu.ɑ/ | mother-in-law |
| adhi mertua | /ɑ.dɪ mɛr.tu.ɑ/ | brother-in-law/sister-in-law |
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
In Javanese culture, the concept of family extends beyond the immediate family. Extended family members hold a significant place in society and are often involved in important family decisions. In some cases, extended family members may even live together in the same household.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Javanese culture. It is common for younger family members to address their elders with special terms of respect, such as "pak" for men and "bu" for women. These terms are used as a sign of respect and to show the hierarchical structure of the family.
Javanese families place a strong emphasis on togetherness and unity. Family gatherings and reunions are common, especially during important holidays and celebrations. These gatherings provide an opportunity for family members to strengthen their bonds and maintain strong relationships with one another.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
1. Match the Javanese words with their English translations.
| Javanese | English |
|---|---|
| bapak | a. father |
| ibu | b. mother |
| mas | c. older brother |
| mbak | d. older sister |
| adik | e. younger brother/sister |
| putra | f. son |
| putri | g. daughter |
| kakek | h. grandfather |
| nenek | i. grandmother |
| bu guru | j. aunt |
| mbah | k. aunt/uncle |
| pak guru | l. uncle |
| mbah | m. male cousin |
| mbak | n. female cousin |
| sepupu | o. cousin |
| bapak mertua | p. father-in-law |
| ibu mertua | q. mother-in-law |
| adhi mertua | r. brother-in-law/sister-in-law |
Solution: 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. d 5. e 6. f 7. g 8. h 9. i 10. j 11. k 12. l 13. m 14. n 15. o 16. p 17. q 18. r
2. Imagine you are introducing your family to a Javanese friend. Write a short paragraph (in Javanese) describing each family member, including their names, ages, and relationships to you.
Example solution: Bapakku namanya Suryo. Umurnya lima puluh tahun. Dia adalah ayahku. Ibuku namanya Ratna. Umurnya empat puluh delapan tahun. Dia adalah ibuku. Kakak laki-lakiku namanya Budi. Umurnya dua puluh tiga tahun. Dia adalah kakakku. Kakak perempuanku namanya Siska. Umurnya dua puluh satu tahun. Dia adalah kakakku. Adik laki-lakiku namanya Joko. Umurnya tujuh belas tahun. Dia adalah adikku. Adik perempuanku namanya Maya. Umurnya tiga belas tahun. Dia adalah adikku.
Translation: My father's name is Suryo. He is fifty years old. He is my father. My mother's name is Ratna. She is forty-eight years old. She is my mother. My older brother's name is Budi. He is twenty-three years old. He is my older brother. My older sister's name is Siska. She is twenty-one years old. She is my older sister. My younger brother's name is Joko. He is seventeen years old. He is my younger brother. My younger sister's name is Maya. She is thirteen years old. She is my younger sister.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have now learned the Javanese vocabulary for family members. Family is an integral part of Javanese culture, and by knowing these words, you will be able to communicate effectively with native Javanese speakers and deepen your understanding of their culture. Practice using these words in conversations and reinforce your learning through regular practice. In the next lesson, we will explore the Javanese vocabulary for relationship terms, allowing you to expand your knowledge of Javanese family and relationships even further.
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Food
- Basic Greetings
- Days of the Week
- Common Foods
- Clothes
- Express Surprise
- Count from 1 to 10
- Travel Vocabulary
- Fruits
- Animals
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