Indonesian Slang - Particle

Particle

A lot of slang particle is used in the end of a sentence. Some of these particles do not change the sentence's meaning while some of the others emphasize the meaning. There are also particles which can give a hesitancy to the sentence. For example:

• Particle which does not change a sentence meaning:
  • Nih. Example of use: Dia datang nih = Dia datang (She/he comes)
• Particle which emphasizes the meaning of a sentence:
  • Dong
  • Kok
  • Lah
  • Lho;

Example of use: Dia datang dong / Dia datang kok / Dia datang lah / Dia datang lho. All of them can be translated to 'She/he does come'. However, "Dia datang dong" can mean She comes for sure, in other intonation when 'o' in the word dong read longer - it would mean She comes i wish. Dia datang kok is used when we convince someone who doesn't believe that She would come. Dia datang lah means She does come, it's used when we are very sure that She would come and underestimating her not coming. Dia datang lho means She comes, you know?.

• Particles which can give a hesitancy to the sentence:
  • Ah. Example of use: Dia datang ah. Can be translated to 'I think she/he comes'.
  • Dong Example of use: Dia datang dooong". It means 'I wish she'd come' or 'Please let her come'

• Particle in the Question

Particles for question are always used at the beginning of a question.:

• • Kok
  • Lho

Both Kok, Dia datang? / Lho? Dia datang can be translated as "How could she come?". Kok is used mainly when we don't believe something but it's true. Lho usually indicates surprise and disbelief.

PS: The true meaning could vary depending on the situation.