Signification
Trying to get praise from superiors
Contexte culturel
In Javanese culture, 'cari muka' is often linked to the concept of 'Unggah-ungguh' (etiquette). While respect is mandatory, overdoing it for personal gain is quietly mocked as 'nglemer' or 'golek rai' (the Javanese literal equivalent of cari muka). In the fast-paced Jakarta corporate world, 'cari muka' is a common topic in 'ngopi' (coffee break) sessions. It is used to bond with colleagues by collectively identifying the 'sycophant' in the office. Batak culture is often perceived as more direct and egalitarian. Among Batak people, 'cari muka' might be called out more openly and aggressively compared to the more subtle Javanese approach. The phrase is heavily associated with the 'PNS' (Civil Servant) culture of the past, where promotions were often based on loyalty and 'cari muka' rather than pure merit.
Don't use it to someone's face
Calling someone 'cari muka' to their face is a direct insult. Use it only when talking about someone else.
Use 'Caper' for friends
If a friend is just being annoying for attention, 'caper' is a lighter, more modern slang term than 'cari muka'.
Signification
Trying to get praise from superiors
Don't use it to someone's face
Calling someone 'cari muka' to their face is a direct insult. Use it only when talking about someone else.
Use 'Caper' for friends
If a friend is just being annoying for attention, 'caper' is a lighter, more modern slang term than 'cari muka'.
The 'Sincerity' Test
Before calling someone 'cari muka', ask yourself: Would they do this if the boss wasn't watching? If yes, they are just hardworking!
Teste-toi
Choose the best situation to use 'cari muka'.
Kapan seseorang biasanya dikatakan 'cari muka'?
Cari muka implies performative work for a superior's benefit.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
Dia selalu memuji masakan ibu mertuanya supaya disayang. Dia benar-benar ____ muka.
The fixed idiom is 'cari muka'.
Complete the dialogue.
Andi: 'Kenapa Tono tiba-tiba membawakan kopi untuk Pak Manajer?' Budi: 'Biasa, dia kan suka _______.'
Bringing coffee to a manager is a classic example of 'cari muka'.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'Cari muka' with its English equivalent.
Brown-nosing is the closest idiomatic equivalent in English.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sincerity Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKapan seseorang biasanya dikatakan 'cari muka'?
Cari muka implies performative work for a superior's benefit.
Dia selalu memuji masakan ibu mertuanya supaya disayang. Dia benar-benar ____ muka.
The fixed idiom is 'cari muka'.
Andi: 'Kenapa Tono tiba-tiba membawakan kopi untuk Pak Manajer?' Budi: 'Biasa, dia kan suka _______.'
Bringing coffee to a manager is a classic example of 'cari muka'.
Match 'Cari muka' with its English equivalent.
Brown-nosing is the closest idiomatic equivalent in English.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it is a negative criticism. It's like calling someone a 'suck-up'.
Yes, if a sibling is acting extra nice just to get a gift, you can jokingly say they are 'cari muka'.
In formal writing, use 'mencari muka' or more professionally 'mencari simpati atasan'.
No, it can be used in school, families, or any social group with a leader.
You can say 'Dia orang yang suka cari muka' or simply 'Dia penjilat'.
No, 'cari muka' is almost always negative because it implies insincerity.
'Cari muka' is specifically for impressing superiors. 'Caper' is for any kind of attention-seeking.
No! It is too informal and sounds like you are gossiping.
Yes, 'mencari muka' is the verb form.
In many Asian cultures, 'face' represents your public reputation and honor.
Very common. You will hear it in almost every office or school environment.
Yes, 'Mereka semua cari muka' (They are all brown-nosing).
Expressions liées
Penjilat
synonymBootlicker / Sycophant
Caper
similarAttention-seeking
Ambil hati
similarTo win someone's favor
Muka dua
contrastTwo-faced / Hypocrite
Muka tembok
relatedShameless
Cari gara-gara
contrastLooking for trouble
