Bedeutung
Trying to impress a superior
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Javanese culture, 'mencari muka' is often linked to the concept of 'ABS' (Asal Bapak Senang). It reflects a historical tendency to please the 'Bapak' (father/leader) at all costs. In Jakarta, the slang 'carmuk' is used heavily among Gen Z and Millennials to mock influencers who do performative good deeds. The phrase is a warning sign of a 'toxic' workplace. If many people are 'mencari muka,' it suggests that promotions are based on flattery rather than merit. Indonesian students are very sensitive to 'mencari muka.' A student who is too close to a teacher may be socially ostracized by their peers.
It's an Insult
Never tell your boss you are 'mencari muka' for them. It means you are being fake.
The Slang Version
Use 'carmuk' if you want to sound like a local teenager or young adult.
Bedeutung
Trying to impress a superior
It's an Insult
Never tell your boss you are 'mencari muka' for them. It means you are being fake.
The Slang Version
Use 'carmuk' if you want to sound like a local teenager or young adult.
The 'Face' Concept
Remember that 'muka' (face) is about social standing. Losing face is a big deal in Indonesia.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best situation to use the phrase 'mencari muka'.
Which of these people is 'mencari muka'?
Mencari muka involves performative actions specifically to be seen by a superior.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Dia selalu _______ di depan bos supaya cepat naik jabatan.
'Mencari muka' is the idiom for seeking favor. 'Membuang muka' means to look away in disgust.
Complete the dialogue between two annoyed co-workers.
Andi: 'Lihat, Siska membawakan makan siang untuk Manajer lagi.' | Budi: '_______'
This is a typical negative reaction to performative flattery in the workplace.
Match the idiom to the correct meaning.
Match 'Mencari muka' with its figurative meaning.
The idiom specifically refers to the act of flattery for personal gain.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Sincerity vs. Mencari Muka
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenWhich of these people is 'mencari muka'?
Mencari muka involves performative actions specifically to be seen by a superior.
Dia selalu _______ di depan bos supaya cepat naik jabatan.
'Mencari muka' is the idiom for seeking favor. 'Membuang muka' means to look away in disgust.
Andi: 'Lihat, Siska membawakan makan siang untuk Manajer lagi.' | Budi: '_______'
This is a typical negative reaction to performative flattery in the workplace.
Match 'Mencari muka' with its figurative meaning.
The idiom specifically refers to the act of flattery for personal gain.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, in Indonesian, it almost always implies insincerity and is used as a criticism.
Only as a joke if you are very close. Otherwise, they might get offended.
There isn't a direct formal idiom, but you can say 'mencari perhatian' (seeking attention).
It is a popular slang abbreviation of 'cari muka' used in texting and casual speech.
Exactly. It is the perfect cultural equivalent.
No, 'wajah' is too formal for this idiom. Stick to 'muka'.
You should probably deny it by saying 'Saya cuma mau bantu kok' (I just want to help).
Yes, 'cari muka' is also widely understood and used in Malaysia.
A 'penjilat' is the person who is 'mencari muka'. It's a harsher noun.
Absolutely not. It is far too informal and negative.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ambil hati
similarTo win someone's heart/favor
Penjilat
specialized formSycophant / Licker
Muka dua
relatedTwo-faced
Pansos
similarSocial climbing
Jaga gengsi
contrastTo maintain one's prestige/pride
