monyet
/ˈmoɲet/
The English word "monkey" is translated into Indonesian as monyet. Wiktionary also lists kera.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA |
|---|---|
| monyet | /ˈmoɲet/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| kera | /kəˈra/ |
The term monyet is the general word for a monkey. In colloquial Indonesian slang, calling someone a monyet can be a common way to call them a "fool" or "idiot", though the meaning can be playful or mildly insulting depending on your tone.
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to primates, monyet is the general term for monkeys. In a more formal or biological context, or when specifically referring to apes (which lack tails), the word kera is often used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoɲet/
Did you know?
- The word monyet is actually a doublet of the Javanese exclamation buset, which is used to express surprise or shock, much like saying 'damn' or 'wow' in English.
- While calling someone a monyet can be an insult, among close friends it is often used as a sign of deep intimacy and playful affection.
- The word monyet entered the broader Indonesian language via Javanese, rather than originating from the primary Malay root.
Examples in context
- Monyet itu jatuh dari pohon.The monkey fell from the tree.This sentence shows how to use monyet when describing an animal falling from a tree.Tatoeba #11461510 by Pacific, translation #402354 by CK
- Monyet itu meminum air setelah memakan pisang.The monkey drank water after eating a banana.This sentence demonstrates the use of monyet in a sentence regarding an animal eating and drinking.Tatoeba #13668324 by HAGNi, translation #13667810 by mervert1
- Dia ketakutan ketika monyet itu melompat ke arahnya.He was scared when the monkey jumped at him.This sentence provides an example of using monyet in a context involving a sudden movement towards a person.Tatoeba #11475079 by Pacific, translation #25870 by CK
- Di mana saya bisa melihat monyet?Where can I see monkeys?
- Adikku suka meniru gerakan monyet.My sibling likes imitating monkey movements.
- Dia benar-benar tingkahnya kayak kera!He/she behaves just like a monkey!
- Monyet-monyet itu sangat aktif pada pagi hari.Those monkeys are very active in the morning.
- Anjingku berteman dengan kera kesayangan itu.My dog is friends with that adorable monkey.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Indah and Dimas are visiting a zoo.
- IndahLihatlah monyet itu di sana!Look at that monkey over there!
- DimasWah, monyet itu sangat lucu.Wow, that monkey is very cute.
- IndahApakah Dimas ingin memberinya makan?Does Dimas want to feed it?
- DimasTidak, aku takut pada monyet itu.No, I am afraid of that monkey.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries monyet, kera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kera, monyet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
