Indonesian is full of expressive words that capture emotions, social nuances, and cultural quirks - many of which English simply can’t translate directly. Here are some of the most fascinating ones.
1. Jayus
Jayus
/ˈd͡ʒa.jʊs/A joke so unfunny that it becomes funny. The kind of humour where you groan but can’t help laughing at how bad it is.
2. Mudik
Mudik
[ˈmu.dɪk]The tradition of returning to one’s hometown, especially during holidays like Eid. It’s more than just a trip - it’s a cultural pilgrimage tied to family and roots.
3. Gemes
Gemes
/ɡəˈmɛs/That overwhelming urge to pinch or squeeze something because it’s unbearably cute - like a fluffy kitten or a chubby baby.
4. Jaim
Jaim
/dʒaˈim/Short for 'jaga image' (keeping up appearances). It describes the act of maintaining a respectable facade, even if it’s not entirely honest.
5. Lebay
Lebay
[ləˈbai̯]Exaggerated, over-the-top behaviour - think melodramatic reactions or unnecessary flamboyance.
6. Nongkrong
Nongkrong
/məˈnɔŋkrɔŋ/Hanging out with no particular agenda. It’s the art of chilling with friends, often over coffee or street food, without any pressure to 'do' something.
7. Santuy
Santuy
/sanˈtuj/A slang term for being relaxed, carefree, or even lazily indifferent. The opposite of stressed.
8. Tersenyum simpul
Tersenyum simpul
/tərˈsɛɲum ˈsim.pul/Literally 'a knotted smile' - a forced or awkward grin, often when you’re hiding discomfort or frustration.
9. Goyang lidah
Goyang lidah
/ɡoˈjaŋ ˈli.dah/Literally 'tongue shaking', meaning gossip or loose talk - the kind that spreads quickly and often irresponsibly.
10. Meriang
Meriang
/məˈriaŋ/That vague, sluggish feeling when you’re not quite sick but not entirely well - like the onset of a cold or just general malaise.
Indonesian’s richness lies in these untranslatable words. They reveal how language shapes - and is shaped by - culture. If you enjoyed this, check out our guide on Indonesian grammar exceptions or funny Indonesian words for foreigners.
