Palembang Language Dictionary

This Palembang language dictionary is my small contribution to preserving the language of the city where I was born and raised. It brings together hundreds of local words and expressions, with English meanings and examples of how some of them are used in conversation.

The collection began with a dictionary compiled by Fahmi Syahab, a friend from my days working in Batam. He comes from East Java and is married to a woman from Palembang. To understand the language spoken by his wife’s family, he collected around 300 words for the first version.

I later expanded that collection by adding explanations, example sentences, and around 200 more words. The initial collection grew to more than 500 words, with the hope that it would help readers understand everyday conversations.

What I find interesting about Palembang vocabulary is that a single word does not always have a neat equivalent in another language. Sometimes a short explanation or an example conveys the meaning better. Where an example is available, read it alongside the definition.

I hope this Palembang language dictionary helps readers from outside the city get to know the language of wong kito—“our people.” For those of us who have spent years away from Palembang, it may also bring back familiar voices and memories of home.

1.How to Use This Palembang Language Dictionary

Choose a letter from the alphabetical index below to jump to that section. You can also search this page: press Ctrl + F on Windows or Command + F on a Mac, then type the word you want to find. On a phone, use your browser’s “Find in page” option.

The headwords and local example sentences remain in Palembang, while their meanings and the translations of the examples are in English. Some entries contain several spellings or meanings. Read the explanation in context rather than treating every word as a direct, one-to-one translation.

This collection can still be improved. Question marks and uncertainty in the source have been retained or explained in brackets. Some expressions may sound rude, insulting, or old-fashioned; their inclusion records the source vocabulary and is not a recommendation to use them.

For an additional reference, see the fourth edition of the Palembang–Indonesian Dictionary published by the South Sumatra Language Center. It is an Indonesian-language resource for comparing spellings and meanings.

You can also read the Indonesian version of this dictionary. For a taste of the city beyond its language, visit my article on 14 places to enjoy Palembang’s food, also in Indonesian.

Let us explore the words below. If you know a word that is missing, please share it in the comments.

2.Letter A

abang = red

alep = quiet; reserved

Example: “ai, awak ni alep nian” — Oh, you are so quiet.

ambal = carpet

amben = a wide wooden platform for sitting or relaxing

ambek = take

amen, aman = if

Example: amen kau gek beli mie celor, karongken aku sebungkus ye — If you buy mie celor later, please get me a portion too.

ampal = faint

ancap / ngancap = go; visit

Example: jao nian na’ ngancap kerumah nyo — It is so far to go to their house.

anak mudo = the hero in a film

angit = the smell of something burning or scorched

angkus = useless

angop = yawn

anyep = bland

asak = if

Example: asak kau berani, payo begoco kito — If you dare, come on, let us fight.

asoy = plastic shopping bag

ate’p = overfull after eating

awan = daytime; midday

Example: jangan galak bangun awan gino — Do not keep getting up so late.

awak = you; even though

Example: awak salah, dak galak ngaku — Even though you are wrong, you will not admit it.

ayuk = older sister

Aeng = rare; seldom found

Anak uweil = a devil’s child

Antep = feeling slightly less unwell than anto

Anto = (a term for feeling unwell) feverish; slightly hot

Ape’k = musty smell

Apeng = easily damaged

Aso la = relax; take it easy

3.Letter B

babet /sawat/gutuk = throw

bae = just; only

balak = trouble; a problem

Example: jangan galak nyari balak — Do not go looking for trouble.

balek = return; go home

bale’ni = repeat it

bambap / di bambap = be pestered or harassed

banyu = water

bari / bingen = long ago; in the old days

baseng = at random; whatever; up to you

Example: baseng kau lah — It is up to you.

baso’ = wash

baso’an = wash clothes

bebala / betukaran = argue; quarrel verbally

beber = curtain

bebes = chase quickly

be’deng = a building divided into several small rental units under one roof, usually a metal roof

bedengkang = very hard

bedenyer / bedejir = startled; surprised

bedenyeng = give an electric shock

bedesau = startled; surprised

bedeseng = the sensation after drinking a fizzy drink

bedewis = very fast

begenyol = chew

begoco = fight

bego’yor = begin slowly; proceed slowly but steadily; get ready

Example: “cakmano bisnis kau, lah maju?” – “Ai begoyor bae kito nih” — How is your business doing? Is it growing? — Well, we are taking it slowly.

Example: payo bego’yor balek kito — Come on, let us get ready to go home.

bekilung = wriggle; struggle; try to break free from someone’s hold

bekot’an / boesan = be on bad terms; refuse to speak to one another

belagak = handsome; good-looking

belago = fight

belanta’an = fight

be’long = cross-eyed

belor = flashlight

beluluk = a type of palm fruit similar to kolang-kaling

belumban = race; compete in speed

bengep / be’ngor = a battered or swollen face

bengak = stupid; foolish

bengkor / pengkor / pengkang = bent; crooked, usually referring to legs

be’nyek = soft; mushy

benyuk / benyuk’ken = push someone’s head down, usually into water

beraben = collide, usually legs knocking together; remain still

berasan = ask for help, usually to borrow money

berejo = try; make an effort

berenggot = move

berengo = a large green fly

beringkes = tidy up belongings or furniture

berok = monkey

besak = big

besak kelakar / besak uap = boastful; a braggart

besingitan = hide

besugi = tuck tobacco between the front teeth

besejar = take advantage of an opportunity

betako’an = arrogant

betangas = steam bath

betino = female; woman

betua rayo rayo = very lucky

betukaran = quarrel; fight

beto’t = pull forcefully

bicek = a form of address for an aunt

bingen / bari = in the old days

bolo = bamboo

borok = bad; ugly

bucu / selo = corner

budak = child

buncitan = later; at the back

bungker = rotten

Example: telo’ bungker — a rotten egg

buntang = carcass

buntu = have no money; be broke

buri = back; behind

busuk siku = give reluctantly, then ask for the gift back

butek = murky; cloudy, referring to water

buyan / bengak = stupid

Banger = an unpleasant smell; rotten

Banyu wedang = plain drinking water that has been boiled

Bau telegu = a foul smell; telegu is the name of an animal

Bedenyar = a feeling similar to being startled

Begesor = ask to be rubbed with oil or similar substances

bebore = ask to be rubbed with oil or similar substances

bebalur = ask to be rubbed with oil or similar substances

Behoja = joke; play around

Bengkana = extremely stupid

Benga’k Bengkana = extremely stupid

Bere’k = may; be allowed to, referring to permission

betatuan = arrogant; boastful

Be’ terang bae = just be honest; speak frankly

Betua rayo = lucky

Biyuku = turtle

Blacu = a type of cloth

Ble’ge’an = joke; play around

Bodem = a croquette made from mashed potato with a meat and vegetable filling

Boksen = a boxing match

Bonggan = arrogant? [uncertain in the source]

Bujang Bedengkang = remain unmarried for a long time

Bujang Lapo’k = remain unmarried for a long time

Bujang Tuo = remain unmarried for a long time

Bulpak = a person from Padang

4.Letter C

cagak = a house post

cak itu la = that is how it is

cak mano = how

cak yo yo / cak yo yo nian = arrogant

calak = clever; shrewd

calok = shrimp paste

campa = bland; tasteless

campak / nyampak = fall

candak = stop or intercept someone

cangking = carry with one hand

cekel = hold

cemeke’an / geta basah = stingy

ce’ngker = a mischievous or naughty child; a troublemaker

cengkila = certainly; surely

cepe’k = a flat nose

cerode’an = want to know everyone else’s business

ceto = certain; definite

cetok = peck; bite or strike, as a snake does

Example: ati ati, jangan maen disitu, gek dicetok ulo — Be careful. Do not play there, or a snake might bite you.

cetok’an = food

cik kundu = timid; cowardly

cindo = good; nice

ciren / keciren = recognize

Example: lamo dak tejingok, lah dak keciren lagi aku dengan rai kau ni — I have not seen you for so long that I no longer recognize your face.

co’ke’t = pry out; pinch

cokot = bite

cotang = rage; rant

cugak = disappointed after strongly expecting something that does not happen

cuko = the sauce served with pempek

cumen = just; only

cungur = nose

cupar = speak rudely

Ca’ ayu = rat; mouse

Canteng = a water scoop for bathing and similar uses

Ce’ngge’ = grandchild and subsequent generations of descendants: great-grandchild, great-great-grandchild, and cengge

Cangga = grandchild and subsequent generations of descendants: great-grandchild, great-great-grandchild, and cengge

Cole’t = take a small dab of food

Co’lken = a signal to launch a kite

Culeng = a kite whose string has snapped very close to it, near the bridle

Cu’ pinggang = belt

Curek = ear discharge

Cemuko = a place for washing dishes; a sink? [uncertain in the source]

5.Letter D

dalo’ng = an earthenware cooking pot

dak katek = none; not there, a more emphatic form of katek

dampar = cutting board

dedek = unhusked grain fed to birds or ducks; sediment in water, such as coffee grounds

denget = a moment; briefly

dewek / dewek’an = alone; by oneself

dogan = young coconut

do’kenan = go first; ahead of someone else

do lor = relative; sibling

dupakke = charge at; kick

Doedoe = broth; gravy

6.Letter E

ecak-ecak = pretend

ekar = marble, used in a game

emban = carry someone in one’s arms or on one’s back

enjok = give

entokken = bang someone’s head against a wall

enyek-enyek = act in a way described as feminine; seek attention

A-B-C | D-E-F  | G-H-I  | J-K-L  | M-N-O  | P-Q-R  | S-T-U  | V-W-X-Y-Z

Enggoet = in a game of marbles, ricochet and hit another marble

7.Letter F

8.Letter G

galak = want

galak = want; like; often

galo = all

gancang = quick; fast

garang = the space underneath a stilt house

gawe = work

gebok = hit

gedebekan = a loud noise made when something falls

gedek = wall

gek / kagek = later

gek do’ken = wait a moment; not yet

gelok = jar; container for cakes or snacks

gelo = sad; forlorn

gena = perfect; do something well

gerobok = cupboard

gerot = heavy; successful; wealthy

geta basa = stingy

getes = easily broken or snapped

getun = regret

gilo = crazy

gino = too; excessive

goco = box; punch

gode’k = sideburns

godek = sway; crazy

gogo’ = group; people

goroe = the sound of thunder

gotok = throw a stone

gudu = bottle

gulu = neck

Ggebenyukke = push someone’s head down, usually into water

Gamparan = wooden clogs; bakiak or klompen

Gebo’ki = be beaten; be hit repeatedly

Gek Do’kein = wait a moment

Gemeritip = sparkling? [uncertain in the source]

Gigi tengkek = a protruding or misaligned tooth

Gulang-galing = turmoil; upheaval

Gulo palu = candy made from thickened sugar

Gulung kelaso = millipede

godeg = crazy

9.Letter H

10.Letter I

icingi = target; set one’s sights on

idak = no; not

igo = too; excessively

ijo = green

ipe’ = sibling-in-law

item kelet = very black

iwak baloer = snapper; salted mullet

iwak = fish

11.Letter J

jabo = front; outside

jahat = bad; ugly

jahel tembel = mischievous; playfully naughty

jajo = sell

jalo = a fishing net or fish trap

jambu tokal = guava

japrak = tacky; unsophisticated

jare’t = cleaning cloth; rag

jaturi = invite someone to proceed; offer politely

jedeng = a water tank, usually in a bathroom

jelit = stare sharply, showing anger

jendol = a bump, usually on the forehead

jenong = a prominent or protruding forehead

jeramba / jerambah = bridge

jere’ng = jengkol, an edible bean with a strong smell

jidat = forehead

jingok = look; see

jiron = neighbor

jobol = large-eyed

jolor = let out a rope or string

julak / julak’e = push, usually pushing someone over

jurai = descendants; lineage

Jajal = try

Jendul = a protruding forehead

Jento’ = a protruding forehead

Jinjit = lift; jump up

Julur = let out a rope or string

12.Letter K

kacek = difference

kajang angkap / kijingan = ceiling; the space beneath roof tiles

kambang = pond

kamek = we; us, excluding the listener

kampleng = slap someone

kanji / kenyet = flirtatious; coquettish

kantep = a direct hit; right on target

kanyut = drift away in water; ramble

kaop = can; be able to

karongken = ask someone to buy something for you too

kasak = brush

katek agok = someone unreliable who behaves as they please

katek antanan = someone with no particular skill or ability

katek = none; not there

katon = visible

ke’pet = rarely bathe

kebet = tie

kebilo = when; if

kebo’lo’ran = extremely hungry

kecik = small

keciren / ciren = recognize

kejingokan = visible

keke’i = rap someone on the head with the knuckles

kele’t = thin; physically weak

kelebu = sink; drown

kelembungan = balloon

kelepe / klepeh = wallet

keleseit = clever; fond of outwitting others

kelo’ro’an = remember; visible

kelot = not crisp

kemano = where to

kemben = shawl

kempeit = tuck something under one’s arm

kempet = deflated; flat

kencot = limp

kendak = will; desire; wish

keno = hit; affected by

kepek’an = cheat sheet

kereto = bicycle

kete’ = flirtatious

ketek = boat

ketenggoran = possessed by a spirit

ketib = a marriage officiant

kinjeng = dragonfly

kisut = crumpled; tangled

klambet = bat

kniayo = cruel; wicked

ko’o = eat

kober = have time; get a chance

kocekan = pocket

kocek = peel fruit

kodak = have time; get a chance

koncong = tail; a kite’s tail

kong kon = tell someone to do something

kopok’an = deaf; hard of hearing

koret = leftovers; something remaining; later

koset’an = matches; a lighter

kua de = the seating or dais for a bride and groom

kuali kuping = frying pan

kudel = untidy or disheveled appearance

kukulan = large pimples

kulu kilir = pace back and forth

kumpe = water hyacinth

kunci kuro = a padlock with a chain

kuncit = tie up hair

kuwawo = healthy

Kacang belitang = jicama

Kijing = ceiling; the space beneath roof tiles

Kambing berok = a male goat; a buck

Kata’-kata’ = material used to make glue for kite strings

Kedekut = very stingy

Kedeperan = flat; shallow

Kelaso = a mat [the source reads “tika,” apparently an incomplete word]

Kening = forehead

Kepinding = bedbug; bangsat is given as a synonym in the source

Kermi = small worms around the anus

Kesel = screen; room divider

k = flirtatious [the headword is only “k” in the source]

Kincit = soil oneself slightly after failing to reach the toilet in time

Kalong = bat

Klenjeran = pain in the groin or between the thighs

Kusel = dirty

Kodol = dirty

Kue Kamer = serabi, a traditional pancake

Kumbu = a food made from mashed red beans

Kusi = wrinkled clothing that has not been ironed

13.Letter L

ladas = greatly enjoy an activity

ladeng = knife

ladeni = serve; attend to

laju lah / laju ken lah / lanja’k = carry on; go ahead with it

laju = as a result; consequently

lak lak ‘an = the roof of the mouth

lamat = mattress

lancip / landep = sharp

langgo’k = arrogant

lantak = because of; suffer the consequences of your actions

lawang = door

la = already

le bar = finished; dispersed

le’go = a kite with a snapped string

le’let = slow

lebak = swamp; marsh

lehar = a stand for the Qur’an

leket = sticky

lemak = delicious; tasty

lentik = agile; graceful

lihai = clever; skilled; highly proficient

linjangan = boyfriend; girlfriend

lobok = loose

lokak = a work or business opportunity

lolo = stupid

lum / lom = not yet

lunyu = slippery

Labi-labi = a type of turtle

Lading 12 dim = a machete

Lambab = put something in the wrong place

Lumbuk = put something in the wrong place

Laos = galangal

Loke’t = a diamond pendant

14.Letter M

mada’i / madak’i = really?; surely not; impossible

mak’ ini ari = now; these days

mak’ ini = like this

mak’ mano / cakmano / makmano = how

malek = bored

mamang = uncle

mambang = crazy

mambu = smell; odor

mangap = open one’s mouth wide

mangcek, mangcik = a form of address for a man or uncle

mangkonyo = that is why

maro’ = in the middle

masat’i = look closely until something is clearly seen

me’sem = smile slightly

medu = anxious

melacit = speed; run

melok / mekot = join; come along

mendep = stay at home

mengap = shortness of breath

mengit = hate someone

mengot = tilted; curved

mengsel = out of position; off target

mere’pet = grumble; nag

meseng / tepeseng = defecate

metu / mentu = come out; exit

mewek = be about to cry

mingkem = close one’s mouth

mingsep = hide

minta’ alem = seek attention

minum = drink; have breakfast

misan = cousin

moeboo = add more

moeroep = a fire burning or coming alight

molek = beautiful

mudiken / ngota’i = lie; tell a lie

Moetoeng = the smell of something burning or scorched

Maso’ = wash

Meduan = worried; afraid

Merokot = rough; coarse

Me’sem bantet = smile shyly or reluctantly

Misu i = offensive words used to insult someone

Muncung = pout; protruding lips

Mungga = the wedding day

Muntah Belela = vomit profusely

15.Letter N

nabo = strike or play a musical instrument

nak = will; intend to

nanggok = collect; receive

nangko blando = soursop

necis = neat; smartly dressed

nemoni = meet; accompany

nerucup = move rapidly downward, head first

nga’-nga’ = wide open

ngaga’i = entertain a baby with playful facial expressions

ngagok’i = respond

ngambo’i = show off one’s possessions proudly or arrogantly

ngambul = angry; a kite drifting after its string has snapped

ngampo’ / ngampok = get above oneself; challenge; show off

ngandon = stay or ride with someone; come deliberately

ngatoke = say; tell

ngawak = carry

ngayo’ = pedal; paddle

nge por = sit on the floor

nge’joke = try to arrange or obtain something

nge’kek = laugh loudly; giggle

nge’kot = grind one’s teeth

nge’mbet = cheat by crossing a prescribed line or boundary

nge’pek = court or approach a woman with the intention of dating her

nge’pot = speed; brake while skidding a bicycle’s rear wheel

ngebang = the call to prayer

ngedem = stay quiet or still

ngeget = bite

ngelate’i = play with or tease someone, usually a child

ngeleber = overflow or spread beyond a boundary, usually water or ink

ngelento’ = sit with a slouch

ngelumbab = spill because a container is too full

ngembek / ngambek = take

ngenjuk = give

ngentak = bump; strike against something

ngentol = hang; be suspended

ngenyek = mock; belittle

ngepek = cheat by copying

ngerata’ i = snack on side dishes without rice

ngereken = count; calculate

ngeretoki = bother; disrupt; interfere

ngerop = sip; drink

ngibak’i = who cares; an expression of indifference

ngigik = funny

ngiser = grind

ngiteng / bahawo = be angry; rant

ngobeng = serve food to guests together

ngodol = stir

ngolai = deceive

ngoleng = lie down

ngongkon = tell someone to do something

ngontani = speak rudely without thinking

ngose’ = hit

ngota’i / mudiken = lie; tell a lie

ngoyok = walk through floodwater

ngoyor bae = walk past without asking permission or acknowledging others

ngulet = stretch one’s body after waking up

nguling = lie down

nguna-una = cause trouble

ngunyut = hit hard

nguwadoi = criticize; disparage

nguyok / nguyok’i = mock; tease

nianan = really; for real

nian = truly; really; very

nujah = stab

nyacapi = rub a bride’s or groom’s head with flower-scented water

nyai/nyek = grandmother

nyangkut = caught; snagged

nyecel = dip food into broth or chili sauce

nyele’t = glare; stare wide-eyed

nyemelo / nyelimer = different from others; naughty

nyempel = be placed or put something in a narrow space or corner

nyenge’ = smile; grin

nyengkung = squat

nyenyes = talkative; unable to keep a secret; chatty

nyerekke di ati = make someone jealous

nyingok = look; see

nyogok nyogok = hang out

nyosok / sosok’an = change returned after payment

nyugak’i = disappoint

nyungkem = fall face down

Ngesok = arrogant; boastful

Nanggo’i = listen to or take in what someone says

Ningkuk = go to a party or gathering

Ngacoberrut = ramble; talk about unrelated things

Ngarut = ramble; talk about unrelated things

Ngadal = lie face down with one’s legs raised

Ngebir = tilted or unevenly balanced, usually a kite

Ngepal = tilted or unevenly balanced, usually a kite

Ngedekem = stay still and hide

Ngeden = strain to pass stool; have difficulty defecating

Nge’ke’ri = look through binoculars or a telescope; kekeran means binoculars or a telescope

Nge’lek = very slow

Ngengkak = walk unevenly

Ngese’k ke = whisper; tell someone

Ngesot = move along while sitting; shuffle sideways

Nge’tak = speak loudly

Ngicingi = look, usually with one eye

Ngigau = talk in one’s sleep

Nginang = chew betel, a habit associated with older people

Ngipeng = be angry; rant

Ngose’k beras = winnow rice

Ngoteri = a kite spinning around

Ngumbi = hard; forceful, referring to a throw or blow [the source wording is unclear]

Ngura i = rinse a bottle, bucket, glass, or bathtub with water

Ngatoi = mock someone; talk about someone

Nyanggi = catch fish with a net

Nyecep = taste; sample

Nyempre’t = catch a loose kite in midair using another kite

Nyenggit = expose one’s buttocks

Nyogo’ = hang out

16.Letter O

oba = change; alter

oncak = a mainstay; someone relied upon; a champion

oplet = a shared public minibus

ore’an = play cat and mouse; play chase

17.Letter P

pacak = may; can

padasan = a place for washing dishes

padek = accurate; spot on; excellent

pagar = animal enclosure; cage

pakek = use; wear

palak = head

pangsilo = sit cross-legged

panta’ = an adze; a hammer; a fish’s fin or wing-like appendage

panto = just; only

parak = near

pasak = market

pati = coconut milk

paya = difficult; troublesome

payo = come on; let us; an invitation

pe’lat = a speech impediment; difficulty pronouncing certain sounds

pecah cenga’ = a badly battered face

pecak / cak = like; similar to

pecian = compete in kite fighting

peci = shoot

pedit / medit = stingy

pe la / peh la = come on

pejel ken = force something into a narrow space

pekak = deaf

pelo’an = a bolster; embrace or cuddle

penesan / pene’san = joke; play around

penu = full

picul = come off; detach

pisang jembun = Ambon banana, a banana variety

pocok = above; on top

ponjen = a cloth pouch, usually for keeping money

ponten = a grade given by a teacher

pore’k = troubled or overwhelmed by a problem; in a difficult situation

poteh = white

prei = a holiday; a day off

puan = milk

pukang = thigh

pukul besi = hammer

Pisuan = offensive words used to insult someone

Pal = kilometer; for example, Pal 3,5 and Pal 5

Panglong = a timber-processing business

Papan Boor = blackboard; writing board

Pasat’an = sight; a change of clothing for women before praying [the source definition is incomplete]

Pedaro = longan fruit

Pe’de’k’an = a game involving knocking kedaro seeds against one another and similar objects

Pisang sematu = kepok banana, a banana variety

Poore’k = dizzy; troubled; in a difficult situation

Potret = photograph; picture

Puntir = a cone-shaped rice cake similar to lontong

18.Letter Q

19.Letter R

ragap = enthusiasm; spirit

rago = cupboard

rai = face; appearance

rakse = lively; a gathering filled with conversation and laughter

rami = busy; lively; crowded

rando = widow; divorced woman

rasoke, rasokelah = feel it; experience it

rebo = a swamp or tall-grass area deep in the forest, far from settlements

rego = price

rejeki sengkil = difficulty earning a living or obtaining good fortune

rengko = exhausted; very tired

renti = stop

repo = bee

reput = easily snapped or broken

resem = knit

reti = meaning

rimau = tiger

rimbat = hit with a rattan cane

ringam = feel annoyed or bothered

ringgo-ringgo = a bier for carrying a body

roho = large but lightweight

roncot = bankrupt

rongseng = troubled or overwhelmed by a problem

ruma = house; home

runyek = crumpled, usually paper or clothing

Rancutan = pencil sharpener

Re’ge’s = torn; tousled? [uncertain in the source]

Rusak sebedeng-bedeng = completely damaged; destroyed

rusak Sekaset = completely damaged; destroyed

20.Letter S

sa’ga / besak ga = overdramatic; exaggerating something trivial

saban = every; each

sako = a post or foundation inside a house

sampiran = a place or rack for drying clothes

sanak broyot = extended family; relatives

sangkek = basket; bag

sanjo = visit; call on someone

santok = bump one’s head

sapee / capee = separate people who are fighting

sapo = who

saro = difficult; in hardship

satang = a long pole

sawat / babet / gutuk = throw

se ler = a length or strand of something

se lop = store something where it is hard to find

se’ko = apply a hot compress

se’ngkle’ / teseler = weak; lacking energy

se’wet = sarong

sebarau = greedy

sebat = hit with a rattan cane

secaro = in a particular way; by means of

sedenget = a moment; briefly

segak / nyega’ = snap at; shout at someone

sege’ / sege’nyo = arrogant; someone’s style or airs

sege’nce’t = a bundle; a bunch

seguk = a hiccup resembling a burp

seke’wet = cheat; dishonest

sekewet = cheat; dishonest

selau = aches; bodily soreness

sele’ / jingo’ = look; see

selente’ = flick with a finger

selik = look; see

selop = sandals; slippers

semawo = thief; greedy

semble = cut the neck or throat

semekok / semekuk = shaped; having a form

sempak = underwear

sen to = a horizontal wooden beam at a joint in a wooden house, often used as a shelf

senep = abdominal discomfort; feeling overfull after eating

sengko = uncomfortable; embarrassed

senta’ken = pull quickly and forcefully

sepor / sepur = train

sere’k = envious; jealous

sigep = alert; ready; quick at work

sikok, eso = one

sikok = one

silem = very far; very high

simbat = answer; respond to a call

sincia = Chinese New Year

singgonyo = so that; as a result

singitan = hide

singitke = hide something

singit = hide

siru = lively; exciting

sir = have a crush on; be attracted to

sisip = almost

sius = serious

slotenan = want to be looked after; clingy; coy

sodo’k = unsophisticated; tacky

sodo’, suduk = unsophisticated; provincial

sokor = serves you right

sosok = change returned after payment

srogan / serogan = drawer

srongkeng = a pressure lantern, such as a Petromax lamp

strip = crazy; mentally unbalanced

subenan = have a splinter or thorn lodged in the skin

sudah, lah = already; finished

sudu = spoon

sungi = river

suri = comb

Sempre’t = catch a kite using another kite

Sene’la = sandals; slippers

Se’ngge’ = impudent; mischievous

Setrup = syrup

Se’we’l = easy? [uncertain in the source]

Sluwar = trousers; pants

Ste’mpe’l = motorboat

21.Letter T

tabok = slap someone

tako’an = arrogant

taksi = a shared public minibus

tambeng = a shameless person

tampes = leak

tangani = beat; hit repeatedly

tanggok / nanggok = catch; catch fish; obtain

tatu = wound

te’ko = included; belonging to

teklopek = skin peeling off

teberak = sink; drown

teberongak = be ignored

teberot–berot = carry something that is too heavy

tebok = a hole; perforated

tebudi = be deceived

tecancang = stand alone for a long time waiting for someone

tededeh = tired; unable to continue

tedok, tiduk = sleep

tegangsar = slip

tegok = swallow

tejerau = shout

tejerit jerit = be hysterical; scream repeatedly

tejingok = visible; seen

tek’liyep = unintentionally fall asleep for a short while

tek-aguk = have nothing to do

tekacip = be left alone somewhere, waiting a long time without knowing what will happen

tekencet-kencet = run in a panic

tekepan = play hide-and-seek

tekole’r = lie down exhausted

tekonjor = lie motionless; dead

tekurep = lie face down

telo’ = egg

teluk belango = a koko shirt; a men’s Muslim shirt

teluma = lie on one’s back

tembe’s = a glancing hit; a thrown object hitting only the edge of its target

tembis = almost; narrowly

tembokan / strat = main road

tenong = a container for carrying cakes or rice, usually a large bowl wrapped in cloth for carrying

tepa’ = a container for betel leaves

tepe’i = give money

tepeso = so shocked that one cannot speak

tepre’ol = sprain

terajang = kick

terajang = kick; strike

teseler = sit down exhausted or weak

tetak = cut

timbok’ = water dipper

tingkep = catch a person or animal

tobo’ = I; me

toeko’ = nape of the neck

toka’ tuging = unevenly cut hair

toka’ = a bald patch

tole’t = a dressing table with a mirror in the middle and two small cabinets at the sides

tujah = stab with a knife

tuja = stab the abdomen to injure someone

tulang miskin = shinbone

tula = that is it; that is why

tuman / ketumanan = a habit; habitual behavior

tumbur / tombor = crash into; collide

tumbur = crash into; collide

tumo = head lice

tumpes melepes = shattered; completely destroyed

tumpes = destroyed

tunak = quiet; still

tungkupan = play hide-and-seek

tunu = grill; roast

tutus, gepuk = hit

Tebenyuk = push someone’s head down, usually into water

Te’mbo’ = a water scoop for bathing and similar uses

Tesenggit = expose one’s buttocks

Tali reket = nylon line or cord

Tambi = an Indian person

Tana laut = across to another island

Tapak kijang = crowbar

Tata = wood chisel

Teberot = carry a load that is too heavy

Tede’de’ = sit or stand with one’s legs spread apart

Te’gon = way of speaking; dialect; accent

Tejerembab = fall face down

Tejerumus = fall face down

Telegu = the name of an animal described as rabbit-like? [uncertain in the source]

Tembing = tilted? [uncertain in the source]

Timbo = weigh

Timboe’ = water dipper

Tomboeng = the spongy sprout inside a mature coconut

Tunggak = a wooden post in water

Tuwelu = rabbit

22.Letter U

ucak-ucak = joke; play around; not be serious

udang satang = a type of large freshwater prawn

uget-uget = small creatures in drains or gutters; mosquito larvae

ujinyo = they say; according to them

uji = word; say

ulek’an = a mortar or stone bowl for grinding spices

ulo = snake

ulu ati = gallbladder [the meaning given in the source]

umak / uma’ = source; ringleader

umep = boiling water

untal = throw, usually upward

urik’an = play chase

urung = cancel; not go ahead

urup’an / = exchange goods; barter

utak = thought; brain

uya = salt

Ujinyo tu = as they said

Ulo Berot = python

Umang umang = a type of snail-like creature [as described in the source]

Ungkep = feel too hot

Untalke = throw it; an imperative

23.Letter V

24.Letter W

wong = person; people

25.Letter X

26.Letter Y

ya ca-cam = oh my goodness

yai/yek = grandfather

yo la pulo = of course

Yahayyabook = unable to keep things neat

27.Letter Z

28.Keeping the Language Alive in Conversation

I hope this Palembang language dictionary helps you make sense of words you hear in conversation and stay connected to the city’s language. For me, returning to these expressions is also a way of remembering home and the people whose voices made them familiar.

If a meaning needs more explanation, you know another spelling, or you would like to share an example sentence, please leave a comment. Readers’ contributions can make this collection more useful. Payo, kito jago baso kito. Let us look after our language together.

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