Javanese people use a lot of sayings and expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings.
Check out these proverbs and quotes below to gain some insight into Javanese beliefs and ways of thinking.
Below I’ve listed famous Javanese quotes, inspiring Javanese sayings and common Javanese proverbs.
Table of Contents
Famous Javanese Proverbs & Javanese Sayings
Below I’ve listed the most famous Javanese proverbs as well as some common Javanese sayings. These are used often in day to day life.
- Sura dira jayaningrat, lebur dening pangastuti – Anger, pride and hatred will be defeated by gentleness.
- Kebo kabotan sungu – A buffalo carries the weight of the horn.
This Javanese proverb means that a person may suffer if they have too many children that they cannot support.
- Sepi ing pamrih, rame in gawe – Without expecting reward, do work diligently.
- Janma tan kena ingina – Diamond and charcoal are one.
This Javanese proverb means that all humans are equal.
- Datan serik lamun ketaman, datan susah lamun kelangan – Don’t get angry easily when calamity comes, don’t get sad easily when losing something.
- Memayu hayuning bawana, ambrasta dur hangkara – To live is to do good for the world and stop the wickedness.
This Javanese proverb means that, in life, we should try to do good things whilst getting rid of the wickedness of the world.
- Ing ngarso sung tulodo, ing madyo mangun karso, tut wuri handayani – Those in front should set an example, those in the middle should raise the spirit and those in the back should give encouragement.
- Jer basuki mawa bea – No victory without suffering.
- Bacin-bacin yen iwak – Although it smells foul, the fish still tastes good.
This Javanese quote is used to say that family members are still your family even if they have done bad things.
- Aja ketungkul marang kalungguhan, kadonyan lan kemareman – Do not be obsessed or trapped by the desire to gain status, material things and worldly satisfaction.
- Alon alon waton kelakon – Slowly but surely.
This Javanese quote means that doing something slowly and carefully is better than doing it faster and not as well.
- Alam iki sejatining guru – Nature is the true teacher.
- Jer basuki mawa beya – Always count the cost.
- Becik ketitik olo ketoro – Eventually the right and the wrong will be revealed.
- Adhang-adhang tetese embun – Hoping for the drops of dew.
This Javanese quote means that you should hold onto the smallest signs of hope even when everything appears dark.
- Mangan ora mangan, sing penting kumpul – Eating or not eating, the important thing is being together.
- Menang tanpa ngasorake – Win without making the loser feel low.
- Sura dira jayaningrat, lebur dening pangastuti – Cruel traits, pettiness and greed can only be lost with wisdom, kindness and patience.
Beautiful Javanese Quotes & Javanese Proverbs
Below I’ve listed a range of famous and inspirational Javanese quotes and Javanese proverbs translated into English.
These all have Javanese origin.
- If you want to find the light, go where the darkness is.
- Don’t flaunt your strength, your size or your intelligence.
- When one finger is pointing to someone else, the three other fingers are pointing towards oneself.
This famous Javanese proverb means that you shouldn’t try to blame others for your own mistakes.
- The capital has its order and the village has its customs.
- Be unselfish. Be diligent. Work to beautify the world.
- Fall seven times and stand up eight.
- The heat of the sun can be felt by everyone but the love from a heart can be only felt by someone.
- Don’t feel clever by not going the wrong way. Do not cheat to avoid harm.
- Our value depends on how we use our mouths.
Best Javanese Idioms & Javanese Expressions
Below I’ve listed the most well-known Javanese idioms and expressions. Many of these have hidden meanings.
- Ancik-ancik pucuking eri – To stand at the tip of a thorn.
This Javanese idiom is actually used to say that you are in a dangerous situation.
- Nguyahi segara – To throw salt into the sea.
This idiom actually means that giving something to a rich person is meaningless.
- Njajah désa milang kori – To explore the village and counting doors.
Javanese people use this saying to say they are exploring and going to remote parts of the country.
- Asu belang kalung wang – A striped dog wearing money around his neck.
This Javanese idiom is used to refer to a rich person who isn’t a good person.
- Pisah kebo – To separate the water buffalo.
Javanese people use this Javanese idiom to say that a husband and wife have agreed to separate.
- Wis kebak sundukané – Full of pins.
This Javanese saying is actually used to refer to a person who has a lot of sins.
- Yuyu rumpung ambarong ronge – Noiseless river crab in a hole.
This funny Javanese saying is actually used to say that someone is in an extremely comfortable position.
It is similar to the English saying ‘snug as a bug in a rug’.
- Kegedhen empyak kurang cagak – More roofs, less pillars.
This Javanese quote is said about someone who has a lot of desires and dreams but doesn’t have the strength to obtain their desires or dreams.
Check out the video below which features a range of famous Javanese quotes and well-known Javanese sayings & proverbs.
Thanks for reading this post on the best Javanese quotes about life, famous Javanese sayings and fascinating Javanese proverbs.
These Javanese quotes & sayings give an interesting insight into the Javanese beliefs and language.
Related Posts: