Kondur
/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.
The krama inggil form in Javanese language meaning to return home or to go back to one's place of origin, used exclusively as an honorific expression when referring to or speaking about a person of higher social standing or older age. It is the refined equivalent of mulih (ngoko) and the Indonesian word “pulang”.
Synonyms & Variants
balik
The informal Indonesian equivalent, lacking the honorific nuance carried by `kondur`.
kembali
Adverb indicating the return to a state or repetition of an action.
mulih
The ngoko (informal) form in Javanese for returning home.
pulang
The standard Indonesian equivalent of `kondur`.
wangsul
The krama madya (middle-polite) form in Javanese for returning home.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word kondur originates from the Javanese system of speech levels known as unggah-ungguh basa, a linguistic hierarchy that reflects Javanese cultural values of showing respect based on age, social status, and position. Within this system, kondur occupies the krama inggil level, the highest and most refined register, used to honor the person being spoken to or referred to. Importantly, kondur is never used to refer to oneself. When a speaker wishes to express their own act of returning home in a self-humbling manner, the krama andhap form wangsul is used instead. Correct usage of kondur signals deep cultural literacy in Javanese social etiquette, and misuse may be perceived as impolite or culturally uninformed.
Real-world Usage
"Mak, bapak teng pundhi? Kok dereng kondur saking sawah? (Mak, bapak di mana? Kok belum pulang dari sawah?)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.