Ngleketer
/jv/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (JV).Definition & Context
AdverbAdverb
A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc.
A state of sleeping extremely soundly and deeply, where a person appears completely motionless, as if in a profound and undisturbed slumber. Used in Javanese Ngoko register to describe an “exceptionally” deep quality of sleep.
Synonyms & Variants
mati punggung
An expression describing someone sleeping so soundly that they do not move at all.
nyenyak
The quality of deep and peaceful sleep without any interruptions.
pingsan
A casual metaphor to describe sleeping so deeply it resembles losing consciousness.
pulas
A state of very deep sleep where one is not easily awakened.
turu nggonduk
Javanese dialect term for sleeping very soundly in a specific position without disturbance.
turu kepati
A more common Javanese dialect synonym used across various Javanese regions for a very similar meaning.
tidur nyenyak
Standard Indonesian equivalent for the condition of deep sleep.
turu mati
A more hyperbolic coarse expression used in Ngoko register to emphasize how deeply someone is sleeping.
keturon
Related but not identical. `Keturon` emphasizes the unintentional aspect, while `ngleketer` emphasizes the depth of sleep.
ngorok
Associatively related as snoring is often a sign of very deep sleep, but the meaning is not identical to `ngleketer`.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word ngleketer originates from Javanese Ngoko, with the root leketer, which phonetically evokes a sense of stillness and rigidity, akin to an inanimate object. The prefix ng- in Javanese functions as an active intransitive verbal marker, making ngleketer mean “to be in a state of leketer”. Semantically, the word carries a hyperbolic nuance, describing sleep so deep that the body appears lifeless or unresponsive to external stimuli. This word is commonly used in daily conversation among Javanese speakers, particularly in Central and East Java. Its usage is informal and familiar, often employed to describe someone exhausted after hard work or a small child who has fallen into a very deep sleep. It carries a light humorous and affective tone when used within family or friendship contexts.
Real-world Usage
Wonge turu ngleketer tenan, diundang ping telu ora tangi-tangi. (Orangnya tidur sangat pulas, dipanggil tiga kali tidak bangun-bangun.)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.