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Definition of ngoko
ngoko
/ˈŋoʊ.koʊ/
ngo · ko
ngoko Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
The informal or familiar register of the Javanese language, traditionally used when addressing individuals of equal or lower social status, younger people, or close friends.
Example
"When chatting with his childhood friends at the market, he naturally switched to ngoko."
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ngokoWord Nuance & Usage
Strictly contrasts with 'krama', the formal or polite register of Javanese; its usage is heavily dictated by complex social hierarchies, age differences, and relational intimacy.
• Rhymes for ngoko
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Javanese 'ngoko', denoting the informal level of speech, historically derived from the use of the informal second-person pronoun 'kowe' (you).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ngoko. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ngoko