ibahasa - Living Dictionary

We test how AI understands Indonesian and its regional languages, with a living dictionary alongside. Curated by people, backed by technology.

cc$Kamus entries: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Platform

  • Benchmarks
  • Models
  • AI Battle
  • Articles
  • Insight
  • Dictionary

Legal

  • About Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
© 2026 ibahasa. All rights reserved.
Ganti ke Bahasa Indonesia
GitHub🤗Hugging Face
ibahasa - Living Dictionary
Observatory
  • Articles
  • Benchmarks
  • Models
  • AI Battle
  • Dictionary
  1. Topics
  2. Javanese
  3. Kethek

Kethek

/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).
Javanese•1 meaning found
1
Verified
A person on the ibahasa team has reviewed and approved this definition. Entries still awaiting review are marked as such, and their meanings are withheld.
casualTone: casual. Indicates the emotional nuance or social context of the word.JavaneseTopic: Javanese. The category or sphere of life where this word is used.jawaRegion: jawa. Specifies the geographical origin or local dialect area.
Verified
A person on the ibahasa team has reviewed and approved this definition. Entries still awaiting review are marked as such, and their meanings are withheld.

Definition & Context

Noun

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 term for “monkey” in the Javanese ngoko speech level, frequently used as an insult or a familiar nickname among peers.

Synonyms & Variants

monyet

monyet

Standard Indonesian equivalent.

synonym
munyuk

munyuk

Has a similar connotation to kethek.

synonym

Usage Notes or Etymology

The word kethek originates from Old Javanese referring to long-tailed primates. Culturally, the meaning shifts based on intonation and the relationship between speakers. In formal contexts or when addressing elders, using this word is considered highly offensive. Conversely, among youth in Central Java or Yogyakarta, it often serves as a “marker of intimacy” that dissolves social barriers.

Real-world Usage

Eh kethek, nang ngendi wae kowe sedino iki? (Eh monyet, ke mana saja kamu seharian ini?)

English Translation
Hey you monkey, where have you been all day today?

Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.

Reviewed 4 months ago
Previous

Kesusu

Read Next

Ketjil

Related Words

AwitSangetMehKejlungupRingkih

Trending Now

BokapNgabuburitGaranganAberasi kromatisBokin