Kate
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Definition & Context
VerbVerb
A word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence.
A word in the East Javanese dialect meaning 'want' or 'to intend', functioning as a volitional marker expressing desire or willingness toward an action or state.
Synonyms & Variants
akan
A functional word used to indicate something that will happen or be done in the future.
arep
The standard Ngoko Lugu Javanese form used in Central Java and parts of East Java, semantically equivalent to `kate`.
bakal
An aspect marker indicating something that is definitely going to happen in the future.
hendak
Expressing a desire, will, or intention to do something.
mau
The most common direct equivalent in Standard Indonesian used nationally.
ingin
A slightly more formal register equivalent compared to 'mau' in Standard Indonesian.
pengen
Widely used in urban slang and casual conversation, semantically equivalent to `kate`.
katek
A less common phonetic variation, generally found in certain rural areas of East Java.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word kate is a phonetically distinct form characteristic of the East Javanese dialect, particularly in the Suroboyoan variety spoken in and around Surabaya, Malang, Kediri, and Mojokerto. It functions as a dialectal variant of arep, the standard Ngoko Lugu Javanese word for 'want' or 'will'. Phonologically, the shift from arep to kate reflects a process of “phonemic reduction” and “dialectal innovation” common in the evolution of Javanese spoken in East Java. The word kate is predominantly used in everyday informal conversation among East Javanese speakers and is rarely found in Krama registers or formal written Javanese. It carries no particular honorific or pejorative connotation and is socially neutral across age groups in informal settings.
Real-world Usage
Kate nang endi kowe iki? (Mau ke mana kamu ini?)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.