duduk
/ˈduduk/
To sit in Indonesian is to say duduk.
The verb duduk describes a person being in a position where the upper body is upright and the legs are supported. While duduk is the standard and most common way to express this, there are various phrases used depending on the level of politeness or the specific intent of the speaker.
Meaning: of a person, be in a position in which the upper body is upright and the legs are supported (verb)
Which one should you use?
While duduk refers to the physical act of sitting, the prefixed form menduduki is used when the meaning shifts to occupying a specific seat, a position or a territory.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form menduduki is a formal version used specifically for the act of occupying something, such as a position or a place, rather than the simple physical motion of sitting.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈduduk/
Did you know?
- The word duduk is used in the idiom duduk perkara, which literally means 'sitting of the matter' but actually refers to the core facts or the crux of a situation.
- In traditional Indonesian etiquette, it is considered impolite to duduk with your legs crossed or pointing your feet toward another person.
- While duduk is the standard verb, you might encounter the word jongkok when people sit by crouching on the floor with their heels against their buttocks, a common way to sit in many traditional Indonesian settings.
Examples in context
- Tom tidak akan duduk.Tom wouldn't sit down.This sentence shows the use of duduk in a negative context.Tatoeba #4038669 by Bilmanda, translation #3735152 by CK
- Dia akan duduk di sini.He's going to sit here.This sentence shows how to use duduk to indicate a location.Tatoeba #3479784 by orion17, translation #3273446 by CM
- Jangan duduk di tangga.Don't sit on the steps.This sentence shows a command not to use duduk on a specific object.Tatoeba #11209551 by Pacific, translation #9045392 by CK
- Silakan dudukPlease, have a seat
- Selamat datang! Silakan duduk. Minuman ada di meja ya.Welcome! Please have a seat. The drinks are on the table.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rian and Maya are in a coffee shop.
- RianMaya, ayo duduk di sini.Maya, let's sit here.
- MayaTerima kasih, Rian.Thank you, Rian.
- RianApakah kamu mau pesan minum?Do you want to order a drink?
- MayaIya, saya mau kopi.Yes, I want coffee.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit” translations and entries duduk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
