Kowe
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Definition & Context
PronounPronoun
A word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse.
Second-person singular pronoun in the “ngoko” register of Javanese, used to address or refer to an interlocutor who is a close acquaintance, of equal standing, or of lower social status.
Synonyms & Variants
anda
More formal and polite second-person singular pronoun, used in official situations or to respected individuals.
awak
First-person plural pronoun commonly used in some Malay and Indonesian dialects, often meaning 'we' or 'us'.
kamu
Common and familiar second-person singular pronoun, used in informal situations.
lu
Very informal and familiar second-person singular pronoun, originating from Betawi or Hokkien dialect, often used in Jakarta.
sampean
Second-person singular pronoun in Javanese dialect that is more refined or polite, often used in Java.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word kowe originates from Old Javanese and has been passed down through generations as part of the “ngoko” speech register, the most informal level of the Javanese language. Within the Javanese social stratification system known as “unggah-ungguh”, the use of kowe reflects either a close interpersonal relationship or a notable difference in social standing between speakers. Addressing someone older or of higher status with kowe is considered impolite and potentially offensive. More refined equivalents include sampeyan (madya register) and panjenengan (krama register), reserved for formal contexts or respected individuals. In East Java, particularly in the Suroboyoan dialect, kowe is frequently shortened to kon or koen in everyday speech.
Real-world Usage
Kowe kuwi wong wadon tangguh, aku bangga karo kowe! (Kamu itu perempuan tangguh, aku bangga sama kamu!)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.