Signification
Thinking too highly of oneself
Contexte culturel
In Javanese culture, 'Andhap Asor' (humility) is the highest virtue. 'Besar kepala' is seen as a failure of upbringing. In Jakarta, 'besar kepala' is often used to describe 'OKB' (Orang Kaya Baru - New Rich) who flaunt their wealth. In offices, calling a subordinate 'besar kepala' is a very serious reprimand that can lead to social isolation in the team. While Batak culture is often more direct, 'besar kepala' is still used to criticize those who forget their family roots after moving to the city.
Use with 'Jadi'
The phrase sounds most natural when used with 'jadi' (become) to describe a change in someone.
Not for Elders
Never use this to describe your parents or teachers to their face; it's very rude.
Signification
Thinking too highly of oneself
Use with 'Jadi'
The phrase sounds most natural when used with 'jadi' (become) to describe a change in someone.
Not for Elders
Never use this to describe your parents or teachers to their face; it's very rude.
The Antonym Trick
If you want to praise someone, use 'rendah hati' (humble). It's the perfect 'safety' word.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
Andi menang lotre dan sekarang dia tidak mau bicara dengan kita. Dia sangat ____.
Andi is acting arrogant after winning, which fits 'besar kepala'.
Which sentence is a warning against arrogance?
Choose the correct sentence:
The standard idiomatic form is 'besar kepala'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wah, kamu hebat sekali!' B: 'Terima kasih, tapi saya tidak mau ____.'
The speaker is showing humility by saying they don't want to get a big head.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAndi menang lotre dan sekarang dia tidak mau bicara dengan kita. Dia sangat ____.
Andi is acting arrogant after winning, which fits 'besar kepala'.
Choose the correct sentence:
The standard idiomatic form is 'besar kepala'.
A: 'Wah, kamu hebat sekali!' B: 'Terima kasih, tapi saya tidak mau ____.'
The speaker is showing humility by saying they don't want to get a big head.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is almost always negative. Even when teasing, it implies the person is acting a bit too proud.
Usually only in the negative: 'Saya tidak mau besar kepala' (I don't want to get a big head).
'Sombong' is a general trait. 'Besar kepala' often implies the arrogance came *after* a specific event or praise.
Yes, 'tinggi hati' or 'angkuh' are more suitable for formal writing.
Yes, parents use it frequently to keep their children humble.
Expressions liées
Tinggi hati
synonymHigh heart / Arrogant
Rendah hati
contrastLow heart / Humble
Keras kepala
similarHard head / Stubborn
Lupa diri
builds onTo forget oneself
