Estri
Definition & Context
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.
The “krama” (refined register) form in Javanese referring to a woman or female, used as the polite equivalent of the ngoko word wadon.
Synonyms & Variants
gadis
Standard Indonesian term referring to a young, unmarried woman.
ibu
A term of address for a woman who has given birth or an older woman.
nona
A title or form of address for a young girl or an unmarried woman.
perempuan
Wedok: A Javanese dialect variant for 'woman', commonly used in casual interactions in Central and East Java regions.
Wanita
The equivalent of the word estri in formal Indonesian.
Putri
The krama inggil form which carries a higher level of respect than estri.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word èstri originates from the Javanese Krama register, the most refined level of the Javanese language, employed to show respect toward the interlocutor or the subject being discussed. It serves as the krama counterpart of wadon (ngoko register), semantically equivalent to perempuan in standard Indonesian. In Javanese culture, the use of krama reflects the core value of “unggah-ungguh” (etiquette and refined conduct). A well-known expression containing this word is “suwarga nunut, nêraka katut” (heaven she follows, hell she is dragged into), illustrating the philosophical ideal of a devoted èstri in classical Javanese thought. The term also appears in Old and Middle Javanese literary texts, attesting to its deep historical roots.
Real-world Usage
Tiyang èstri niku kêdah dipun hormati, Sampeyan mangertos? (Perempuan itu harus dihormati, kamu mengerti?)
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.
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