Language/Javanese/Grammar/Past-Tense

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Javanese → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Past Tense

In the fascinating realm of Javanese language, understanding the past tense is essential for expressing completed actions. This lesson will help English-speaking learners grasp how to conjugate and use Javanese verbs in the past tense, so that they can narrate their experiences and share stories with others. As we delve into this topic, we’ll explore the structure of past tense verbs, provide numerous examples, and engage in practical exercises that will solidify your understanding.

Throughout this lesson, you'll learn:

• The formation of past tense verbs in Javanese

• Examples of past tense conjugations

• Common verbs used in the past tense

• Practice scenarios to apply your new knowledge

With that said, let's get started!

Understanding Javanese Past Tense

In Javanese, expressing the past tense is often about conveying actions that have already been completed. This is crucial for effective communication, as it allows speakers to relate experiences and narrate events in a coherent manner.

Javanese verbs can change in form to indicate past actions. Generally, the past tense can be formed by adding specific prefixes or utilizing certain words that denote a completed action.

Structure of Past Tense Verbs

In Javanese, the past tense is marked by the addition of prefixes or alterations to the base verb. Here are some common ways to express past tense:

1. Adding the prefix "wis": This prefix is commonly used to indicate that an action has been completed.

2. Using the suffix "-ne": This indicates the completion of the action in some contexts.

Now, let’s look at some examples to illustrate these concepts:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
wis mangan	wis maŋan	have eaten
wis pinter	wis pintər	have been smart
wis sinau	wis siˈnaw	have studied
wis ndelok	wis ndɛˈlok	have seen
wis lunga	wis luŋa	have gone
wis nulis	wis nuˈlis	have written
wis dolan	wis doˈlan	have played
wis ngombe	wis ŋombɛ	have drunk
wis ngendikan	wis ŋɛnˈdikan	have said
wis kerja	wis kərˈdʒa	have worked

Common Verbs in Past Tense

Understanding how to use common verbs in the past tense will greatly enhance your ability to communicate. Below are more examples of frequently used verbs:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
wis maca	wis maˈtʃa	have read
wis nonton	wis nɔntɔn	have watched
wis mlebu	wis mɛˈlɛbu	have entered
wis metu	wis mɛˈtu	have exited
wis tuku	wis tuˈku	have bought
wis nyanyi	wis ˈɲaɲi	have sung
wis ngajar	wis ˈŋaɪdʒar	have taught
wis nglukis	wis nɡluˈkis	have painted
wis ngatasi	wis ɡnataˈsi	have solved
wis ngatur	wis naˈtur	have arranged

Using the Past Tense in Sentences

Let’s explore how these verbs can be incorporated into sentences. Here are some examples:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Aku wis mangan roti.	aˈku wis maŋan ˈroti	I have eaten bread.
Dheweke wis nonton film.	dɛˈwɛkɛ wis nɔntɔn ˈfilm	She has watched a movie.
Kita wis sinau bareng.	ˈkita wis siˈnaw ˈbarɛŋ	We have studied together.
Wong-wong wis lunga.	ˈwoŋ woŋ wis luŋa	They have gone away.
Aku wis nulis surat.	aˈku wis nuˈlis ˈsuːrat	I have written a letter.

By practicing these sentences, you will become more comfortable using the past tense in Javanese.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the structure and usage of the past tense, let’s put your knowledge to the test with some engaging exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences using the appropriate past tense form of the verbs in parentheses.

1. Aku ___ (mangan) nasi.

2. Dheweke ___ (maca) buku.

3. Kita ___ (dolanan) bareng.

4. Wong-wong ___ (ngombe) teh.

5. Aku ___ (ngendikan) karo kanca.

Solutions:

1. Aku wis mangan nasi.

2. Dheweke wis maca buku.

3. Kita wis dolanan bareng.

4. Wong-wong wis ngombe teh.

5. Aku wis ngendikan karo kanca.

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences

Translate the following sentences from English to Javanese.

1. I have bought a book.

2. They have sung a song.

3. She has painted a picture.

4. We have worked hard.

5. He has entered the room.

Solutions:

1. Aku wis tuku buku.

2. Wong-wong wis nyanyi lagu.

3. Dheweke wis nglukis gambar.

4. Kita wis kerja keras.

5. Dheweke wis mlebu kamar.

Exercise 3: Verb Conjugation

Conjugate the following verbs in the past tense.

1. Makan

2. Belajar

3. Berenang

4. Menari

5. Berbicara

Solutions:

1. Wis mangan

2. Wis sinau

3. Wis berenang

4. Wis menari

5. Wis berbicara

Exercise 4: Sentence Creation

Create your own sentences in Javanese using the past tense. Use the following verbs:

1. Makan

2. Beli

3. Nonton

4. Baca

5. Tidur

Sample Answers:

1. Aku wis mangan soto.

2. Dheweke wis beli sepatu.

3. Kita wis nonton acara TV.

4. Wong-wong wis baca koran.

5. Aku wis tidur telat.

Exercise 5: Matching Exercise

Match the Javanese past tense sentences with their English translations.

1. Aku wis ngunjungi omah.

2. Dheweke wis nyanyi lagu.

3. Kita wis dolan.

4. Wong-wong wis lunga.

5. Aku wis nulis cathetan.

A. I have visited home.

B. They have left.

C. We have played.

D. She has sung a song.

E. I have written notes.

Solutions:

1 - A: Aku wis ngunjungi omah. - I have visited home.

2 - D: Dheweke wis nyanyi lagu. - She has sung a song.

3 - C: Kita wis dolan. - We have played.

4 - B: Wong-wong wis lunga. - They have left.

5 - E: Aku wis nulis cathetan. - I have written notes.

Exercise 6: Correct the Errors

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. Aku wis ndelok film. (correct)

2. Dheweke wis nulis surat. (correct)

3. Kita wis nonton konser. (correct)

4. Wong-wong wis dolan karo kanca. (correct)

5. Aku wis ngombe kopi. (correct)

Answers: All sentences are correct.

Exercise 7: Create a Dialogue

Write a short dialogue using the past tense between two friends discussing what they did last weekend.

Sample Dialogue:

A: Aku wis dolan menyang pantai.

B: Oh, aku wis nonton film ing bioskop.

A: Keren! Apa film kasebut apik?

B: Ya, film kasebut banget apik!

Exercise 8: Fill in the Gaps with Past Tense Verbs

Fill in the gaps with the correct past tense forms of the verbs in parentheses.

1. Dheweke ___ (menari) ing pesta.

2. Kita ___ (berbicara) babagan rencana.

3. Aku ___ (makan) ing restoran.

4. Wong-wong ___ (belajar) anyar.

5. Dheweke ___ (bermain) game.

Solutions:

1. Dheweke wis menari ing pesta.

2. Kita wis berbicara babagan rencana.

3. Aku wis mangan ing restoran.

4. Wong-wong wis sinau anyar.

5. Dheweke wis bermain game.

Exercise 9: Create Your Own Story

Write a short story using at least five different past tense verbs.

Sample Story:

Aku wis lunga menyang pasar. Ing pasar, aku wis tuku sayuran lan woh-wohan. Aku wis ketemu kanca lawas, lan kita wis ngobrol suwe. Banjur, aku wis mulih.

Exercise 10: Group Discussion

In groups, discuss what you did last summer using the past tense. Each group member should take turns sharing their experiences.

By participating in these exercises, you will reinforce your understanding of the past tense and gain confidence in your ability to communicate in Javanese.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this lesson on Javanese past tense! You have learned how to conjugate verbs to express actions that have already occurred. Remember, practice is key to mastering any language. As you continue your journey in learning Javanese, keep using the past tense in your conversations and writing.

Feel free to revisit this lesson whenever you need a refresher. The more you practice, the more fluent you'll become!

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

Other Lessons

• Adverbs of Manner
• Present Tense
• Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns
• Plurals
• Questions and Negations
• Adjectives
• Subject Verb Object
• Give your Opinion

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