Signification
Someone who secretly watches others
Contexte culturel
The term 'Intel' is often used interchangeably with 'mata-mata' in daily life, referring to undercover police. It's a common joke to say someone is an 'intel' if they have a short haircut and look suspicious. In Javanese culture, there is a strong emphasis on 'unggah-ungguh' (etiquette). Being a 'mata-mata' or nosy is generally frowned upon as it disrupts social harmony ('rukun'). On social media, 'mata-mata' is being replaced by 'stalking' or 'stalker'. However, 'mata-mata' is still used when the spying is perceived as more 'serious' or 'organized'. During the revolution (1945-1949), 'mata-mata' were crucial for the Indonesian side to track Dutch troop movements. Many ordinary villagers became 'mata-mata' for the guerrillas.
Easy Plural
Don't worry about making it plural. 'Mata-mata' can mean one spy or many spies depending on the context.
Verb Form
Always use 'memata-matai' when you want to use it as an action. 'Dia mata-mata saya' sounds like 'He is my spy', not 'He is spying on me'.
Signification
Someone who secretly watches others
Easy Plural
Don't worry about making it plural. 'Mata-mata' can mean one spy or many spies depending on the context.
Verb Form
Always use 'memata-matai' when you want to use it as an action. 'Dia mata-mata saya' sounds like 'He is my spy', not 'He is spying on me'.
Slang Alternative
Use 'intel' if you want to sound more like a local when joking about someone being nosy.
Context Matters
In Indonesia, calling someone a 'mata-mata' in a serious context is a heavy accusation. Use it carefully!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'mata-mata'.
Dia sedang _______ tetangganya dari balik jendela.
The sentence requires a verb. 'Memata-matai' is the verb form of 'mata-mata'.
Which sentence uses 'mata-mata' correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence 1 should use 'kacamata'. Sentence 3 should use 'mata'. Sentence 4 should use 'memata-matai'.
Match the Indonesian word with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common words related to the root 'mata' or the theme of spying.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kenapa kamu sembunyi di sana? B: Aku sedang _______ musuh.
The context of hiding to watch an enemy implies the action of spying.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Spy vs. Detective
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDia sedang _______ tetangganya dari balik jendela.
The sentence requires a verb. 'Memata-matai' is the verb form of 'mata-mata'.
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence 1 should use 'kacamata'. Sentence 3 should use 'mata'. Sentence 4 should use 'memata-matai'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common words related to the root 'mata' or the theme of spying.
A: Kenapa kamu sembunyi di sana? B: Aku sedang _______ musuh.
The context of hiding to watch an enemy implies the action of spying.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot necessarily. In movies, they are heroes. In real life, it depends on who they are spying for!
Yes, you can, but 'stalker' is also commonly used in Indonesian slang now.
The verb is 'memata-matai'.
'Spion' is a loanword from Dutch and is slightly more formal or technical. 'Mata-mata' is the common native term.
Yes, Indonesian is gender-neutral. A 'mata-mata' can be anyone.
Yes, 'mata-mata bisnis' or 'mata-mata industri' refers to corporate espionage.
Reduplication in Indonesian often creates a new noun related to the root word's function.
No, you must say the full 'mata-mata'.
It's better to use 'detektif swasta' for a professional private investigator.
Literally yes, but contextually it always means 'spy'. For 'eyes', just say 'mata'.
Yes, it is the standard term used in Indonesian journalism.
It is 'mata-mata ganda'.
Expressions liées
Agen rahasia
synonymSecret agent
Spionase
specialized formEspionage
Informan
similarInformant
Cepu
contrastSnitch
Penyusup
builds onInfiltrator
Detektif
similarDetective
