Kawulo
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Javanese•1 meaning found
Noun
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 Javanese Krama term referring to “common people” or subjects; describes the lower stratum of society who are subservient and loyal to a ruler or king.
hamba
First-person singular pronoun indicating humility or respect towards the interlocutor, often used in religious or classical literary contexts.
jelata
Common or lower class of society, often without high social status.
rakyat
General public or inhabitants of a country, often referring to common people.
warga
Member of a community, country, or social group.
The word kawulo originates from Javanese Krama, the refined speech register used in courtly and hierarchical traditional Javanese contexts. Etymologically, kawulo is equivalent to abdi (servant or subject), and frequently appears in the phrase kawulo dalem, meaning the king's subject or people under a ruler's authority. In Javanese tradition, the concept of kawulo is deeply tied to the philosophy of “kawulo-gusti”, the hierarchical relationship between servant and master that underpins Javanese social order. Today, the word is used more informally or in Javanese literature as a poetic synonym for “rakyat” (the people).
Kawulo cilik podo nelongso mergo panen gagal. (Rakyat kecil sama-sama bersedih karena panen gagal.)
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.