Halu
Definition & Context
Colloquial slang for imagining unrealistic things; a clipped form of 'hallucination'. In everyday use it means 'being delusional' or 'daydreaming'—usually joking or teasing rather than clinical.
Synonyms & Variants
berkhayal
To imagine something unreal or impossible; to daydream.
delusi
A false belief or thought inconsistent with reality, often a symptom of a mental disorder.
halusinasi
A sensory experience that appears real but is created by the mind, not by external stimuli.
ngayal
Informal or colloquial form of 'berkhayal' (to imagine/daydream).
Usage Notes or Etymology
Shortened from 'hallucination'. Used jokingly or sarcastically among friends to tease someone with unrealistic hopes or beliefs. Functions informally as a predicate ('he's halu') or verb ('to halu' / 'ngahalu' in borrowing). Register: informal/slang; not a clinical diagnosis. English equivalents depend on intensity: 'delusional' (informal), 'you're tripping', 'daydreaming', or 'having pipe dreams'.
Real-world Usage
Kayaknya dia lagi halu soal masa depannya.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
More Examples
Jangan halu deh, pacar orang itu!
Don't be delusional, he's someone else's boyfriend!
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