Rikuh
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Indonesian•1 meaning found
Noun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
A feeling of “reluctance” or social awkwardness when about to do something, stemming from a sense of unworthiness or fear of offending others; closely synonymous with shyness-driven hesitation.
canggung
This word is a common synonym of 'rikuh', especially in the context of feeling uncomfortable or awkward in a situation.
risih
A feeling of discomfort, annoyance, or awkwardness due to a situation or treatment.
sungkan
This word is a direct synonym of 'rikuh' in standard Indonesian, referring to a feeling of deference or uneasiness.
tidak enak hati
A phrase expressing inner reluctance or discomfort because of fear of offending others; a common equivalent for Javanese variants like 'ewuh' or 'rikuh'.
ewuh
This word is a Javanese synonym that has a similar meaning to 'rikuh', namely a feeling of deference or uneasiness.
The word rikuh originates from the Javanese lexicon, used across both Ngoko and Krama registers. Semantically, it reflects the broader Javanese cultural concept of ewuh pakewuh — a psychological burden arising from deeply ingrained norms of social courtesy and hierarchical deference. Unlike simple shame (isin), rikuh carries a strong relational dimension: the hesitation one feels when conscious of another person's status, feelings, or position. In informal Javanese-Indonesian speech, the term is often borrowed directly without phonetic adaptation, functioning today as a colloquial or slang equivalent of the formal Indonesian word sungkan.
Aku rikuh arep njaluk tulung karo Pak RT, rasane ora penak. (Aku sungkan minta tolong ke Pak RT, rasanya tidak enak.)
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
Slang evolves fast. If this word is used differently in your circle, add it here.
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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