Kula
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Javanese•1 meaning found
Pronoun
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.
First-person singular pronoun in the Javanese “krama” (polite speech register), used by a speaker to refer to oneself respectfully when addressing someone of higher age or social standing.
Aku
The equivalent first-person singular pronoun in standard Indonesian.
beta
First-person singular pronoun commonly used in some eastern Indonesian regions, such as Maluku and Papua, and in older literary contexts.
hamba
First-person singular pronoun indicating humility or respect towards the interlocutor, often used in religious or classical literary contexts.
saya
Formal first person singular pronoun
Dalem
A much more refined form (krama inggil/andhap) compared to kula, showing extreme humility.
The word kula or pronounced “kulo” originates from the Javanese Krama language, which is the formal speech level used in respectful contexts. Historically, the unggah-ungguh system (language etiquette) in Javanese distinguishes at least three main levels: Ngoko (informal), Madya (semi-formal), and Krama (formal/respectful). In the Krama level, kula replaces the word aku (Ngoko) as the first-person pronoun. The use of kula reflects Javanese cultural values that uphold politeness and social hierarchy. This word is still actively used in the daily conversation of Javanese society, especially in formal, traditional, and religious environments, as well as in Classical Javanese literature.
Kula boten mangertos, Pak, menawi sampeyan sampun rawuh. (Saya tidak tahu, Pak, kalau Bapak sudah datang.)
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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Definition: An interrogative phrase in krama inggil Javanese register meaning “how” or “in what manner”, used to politely inquire about the condition, state, or method of something with a high degree of respect.
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