jegeg
The English word beautiful is translated to Balinese as jegeg.
The term is used to describe someone or something as attractive.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
Which one should you use?
In Balinese, the word used for beautiful is gender-specific. Use jegeg to describe females or feminine objects, but use bagus to describe a beautiful or handsome man.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
jegeg is the low or common register form used in everyday conversation.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use jegeg when describing a man. Instead, use bagus to refer to a beautiful or handsome male.
Did you know?
- Beauty in Balinese performance is often judged by the 'seledet'. This refers to the sharp, precise flick of the eyes that makes a dancer appear truly beautiful and alive.
- True beauty in Bali is often linked to taksu, a form of spiritual charisma or divine inspiration that transcends physical appearance.
- If you use the high register for 'beautiful' instead of jegeg, you might inadvertently signal that you are talking about a deity or a person of high noble status.
Examples in context
- Ia jegeg pisan.She is very beautiful.
- Gadis ne jegeg.The girl is beautiful.
- Putu jegeg sajan.Putu is really beautiful.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a photo of a girl.
- PutuPutu, liatne. Jegeg pisan, kan?Putu, look. She is very beautiful, right?
- NyomanOoh, iya. Jegeg gati.Oh, yes. She is really beautiful.
- PutuSapa ento?Who is that?
- NyomanEnto adine Nyoman.That is Nyoman's younger sister.
