Bedeutung
Being shy but actually wanting something
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Javanese culture, the concept of 'Ewuh Pakewuh' (feeling uneasy about bothering others) often leads to 'malu-malu kucing' behavior. It is seen as a sign of high upbringing to not be too direct. Sundanese people are known for being 'someah' (friendly and polite). 'Malu-malu kucing' is common during 'Botram' (communal eating) where people politely offer food to others first. In the capital, the phrase is used heavily in 'Sinetron' (soap operas) to depict the 'innocent girl' trope. It's also a staple in office banter. While Minang culture can be more direct in business, in social settings, 'malu-malu kucing' is still used to maintain 'adat' (tradition) and respect.
Use it for teasing
This phrase is best used with a playful tone and a smile. It's a great way to bond with Indonesian friends.
Don't overdo it
If someone says 'no' and looks genuinely distressed, stop. Don't assume everyone is 'malu-malu kucing'.
Bedeutung
Being shy but actually wanting something
Use it for teasing
This phrase is best used with a playful tone and a smile. It's a great way to bond with Indonesian friends.
Don't overdo it
If someone says 'no' and looks genuinely distressed, stop. Don't assume everyone is 'malu-malu kucing'.
The 'Cie' Factor
Combine it with the exclamation 'Cie!' (pronounced chee-eh) for maximum native effect: 'Cie, malu-malu kucing nih!'
Accepting Food
If you are in Indonesia, expect people to be 'malu-malu kucing' with food. It's your job as a host to ask at least twice!
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best situation to use 'malu-malu kucing'.
Sinta really wants the last piece of cake, but she says 'No, I'm full' while smiling.
Sinta is acting shy/reluctant despite wanting the cake, which is the definition of the phrase.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Jangan __________, ambil saja uang ini untuk jajan!
The context is about accepting money/gifts, where 'malu-malu kucing' fits perfectly.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Kamu suka ya sama Andi?' B: 'Ah, tidak... (wajah memerah)' A: 'Cie, kamu kok _________?'
Person B is blushing and denying feelings, which is a classic 'shy cat' moment.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Malu-malu tapi mau
This is the most common variation and direct meaning of the phrase.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Malu vs. Malu-malu Kucing
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenSinta really wants the last piece of cake, but she says 'No, I'm full' while smiling.
Sinta is acting shy/reluctant despite wanting the cake, which is the definition of the phrase.
Jangan __________, ambil saja uang ini untuk jajan!
The context is about accepting money/gifts, where 'malu-malu kucing' fits perfectly.
A: 'Kamu suka ya sama Andi?' B: 'Ah, tidak... (wajah memerah)' A: 'Cie, kamu kok _________?'
Person B is blushing and denying feelings, which is a classic 'shy cat' moment.
Malu-malu tapi mau
This is the most common variation and direct meaning of the phrase.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it's generally a lighthearted tease. However, if used in a serious situation, it could be seen as dismissive.
Yes! While it's slightly more common for women or children, men can definitely be 'malu-malu kucing' too, especially in dating.
'Malu' is the feeling of shame or shyness. 'Malu-malu' implies an action or a state of acting shyly.
Not really. In formal settings, you would use words like 'sungkan' or 'rendah hati' instead of the cat metaphor.
Because cats are famous for pretending they don't care about food until you give it to them.
Yes, you can say 'Aduh, saya jadi malu-malu kucing' if you want to be self-deprecating and cute.
Yes, the phrase is common in both Indonesian and Malay (Bahasa Melayu).
It's very similar, but 'malu-malu kucing' focuses more on the shyness, while 'jual mahal' focuses on the 'price/value'.
No! That doesn't exist and might sound weird or offensive.
Only in very casual business settings, like a team lunch. Avoid it in formal meetings.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Malu-malu tapi mau
synonymShy but wants it
Jual mahal
similarPlaying hard to get
Rendah hati
contrastHumble
Malu-maluin
contrastEmbarrassing
Kucing-kucingan
similarCat and mouse game
