Cenah
/su/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (SU).Definition & Context
NounNoun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
A loanword from Sundanese used to convey information or remarks heard from others, often indicating that the information is “unconfirmed” or merely a “rumor”.
Synonyms & Variants
dengar-dengar
Informal expression used to convey information obtained from hearsay or rumors, indicating uncertainty of the source.
jare
The base form without suffix of `jarene`, meaning "word" or used as a direct quotation marker.
katanya
Standard Indonesian form indicating information originates from another party.
konon
An adverb indicating something is based on hearsay or circulating reports.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word “cenah” originates from Sundanese and functions as an indirect speech marker, indicating that the information conveyed comes from a third party. Linguistically, cenah is akin to an evidentiality marker, denoting the source of information. Its use is “very common” in West Java and surrounding areas, and it frequently appears in informal conversations even outside a purely Sundanese context.
Real-world Usage
Sing ati-ati baé di pangumbaraan, cenah. (Hati-hati saja di perantauan, katanya.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.