Kopong
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Definition & Context
AdjectiveAdjective
A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it.
A state of being empty or hollow, referring to an object whose interior is void, devoid of content, or not filled. Used widely in everyday Javanese conversation to describe a condition of “emptiness” or “nothingness” in both physical objects and abstract situations.
Synonyms & Variants
kosong
The standard Indonesian equivalent carrying the same meaning as `kopong`.
mlompong
An East Javanese dialect variant, particularly Suroboyoan, emphasizing total emptiness with a more expressive tone.
hampa
A standard equivalent more commonly used in abstract or emotional contexts, such as a feeling of emptiness.
lowong
A synonym more commonly referring to availability of space or time, slightly distinct from `kopong` which emphasizes the emptiness of an object's contents.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word kopong is a native Javanese vocabulary item that has been used across generations in everyday ngoko-level conversation. It is rooted in the concept of physical emptiness, referring to objects whose interiors are unfilled, such as hollow containers, undeveloped seeds, or empty fruit. Etymologically, kopong is closely related to kempong and kempes within the same Austronesian language family, all carrying the meaning of “empty” or “deflated”. In Javanese cultural context, the word is also frequently used metaphorically to describe a person who lacks substance or speech that carries no meaningful content, giving it a broader semantic dimension beyond mere physical emptiness.
Real-world Usage
Klapa iki kopong, ora ana isine babar blas. (Kelapa ini kosong, tidak ada isinya sama sekali.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.