Kromo

Javanese speech

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June 30, 2026

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Kromo is a high or deferential form of the Javanese language, used when speaking to social superiors. It is one of three main speech levels in Javanese, the others being ngoko (low or informal) and madya (middle). This linguistic reflection of social stratification is common in languages of the region. Kromo itself has further subdivisions, including krama inggil (highly deferential) and basa kedaton (palace language). The variant spelling "Kromo" is also recognized.1234

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Austronesian languages
Speech levels and honorific registers
The primary distinction is between Kromo, a high form used when speaking to social superiors, and Ngoko, a low or neutral form used when speaking to social equals or inferiors. Further subdivisions are recognized within Kromo, and in addition a small number of words called Madya (Middle) contain elements of…
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The primary distinction is between Kromo, a high form used when speaking to social superiors, and Ngoko, a low or neutral form used when speaking to social equals or inferiors. Further subdivisions are recognized within Kromo, and in addition a small number of words called Madya (Middle) contain elements of…
Read More