Kerdja
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Indonesian•1 meaning found
Definition & Context
VerbVerb
A word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence.
An archaic spelling of kerja, referring to labor or work performed by an individual to earn a livelihood or fulfill daily obligations.
Synonyms & Variants
kerja
kerja
The term 'nguli' used in a social context to refer to heavy physical labor or as slang for working hard.
Synonym
profesi
profesi
Work that requires specialized expertise, higher education, and usually possesses a professional code of ethics.
Register Variant
mengais rezeki
mengais rezeki
A metaphorical expression for working to earn a living.
synonym
makarya
makarya
A more formal or poetic term often used in the context of service or creation.
synonym
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word kerdja is the Van Ophuijsen spelling of the modern Indonesian word kerja. The Van Ophuijsen orthographic system, introduced by Charles Adrian van Ophuijsen in 1901, was officially used in written Malay during the Dutch colonial era until it was replaced by the Republican Spelling system in 1947. In this system, the consonant cluster rj was rendered as rdj to more accurately reflect its phonetic quality. This spelling is commonly found in official colonial documents, newspapers, and Malay literary works from the 19th to early 20th century, making it a strong historical marker of that era.
Real-world Usage
Karena si Amat masi banjak kerdja, ia beloem bisa poelang. (Karena si Amat masih banyak kerja, ia belum bisa pulang.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
Verified Evidence1
Boekoe Soerat-Soerat (TH. A. Du Mosch) - Halaman 30 Boekoe Soerat-Soerat (TH. A. Du Mosch) - Halaman 30
ImageliteratureVerify Context