Isih
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Definition & Context
AdverbAdverb
A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc.
An “adverbial marker of time” meaning “still” or “yet”, indicating a condition or state that “continues” or “has not ended”. An informal and dialectal form of the standard Indonesian word masih.
Synonyms & Variants
keneh
A Sundanese dialect form meaning still or yet.
lagi
Adverb indicating the repetition of an action or state.
masih
The standard and formal form of `isih`. Used in official, academic, and national media contexts.
sedang
Indicates an ongoing process
terus
`Terus` is a more common and neutral form in Indonesian, while `isih` is more specific to Javanese dialect with slightly more formal meaning in aspectual context.
sedhela
`Sedhela` can be used to express `isih` with emphasis on "short duration that continues". This relationship is more contextual and pragmatic.
menyang
This relationship is more distant and contextual. `Menyang` can reinforce the meaning of `isih` in phrases like "isih menyang" (still heading towards), showing ongoing process.
Usage Notes or Etymology
Isih is a Javanese Ngoko dialectal variant of the standard form masih. The word originates from Old Javanese with the root sih, which functions as an “aspectual marker” to indicate “ongoing duration” or “a state that continues”. In Javanese linguistic context, isih is widely used in everyday speech in Central Java and East Java regions. Sociolinguistically, the use of isih reflects the “ngoko lugu” (casual rough Javanese) level of politeness, commonly used between peers or in close family contexts. This form frequently appears in traditional and modern Javanese literature and contemporary Javanese literary dialogue. The difference from masih (standard) lies in register, where isih is more “local” and “intimate”, while masih is more “formal” and “national”.
Real-world Usage
Aku isih mangan sate karo bapak nang pawon (Aku masih makan sate bersama bapak di dapur)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.