Signification
Speech that has no meaning or truth.
Contexte culturel
During election seasons, the phrase 'Janji Manis' (Sweet Promises) is often paired with 'Omong Kosong'. Voters use it to express a deep-seated cynicism toward political rhetoric. In local coffee shops, 'omong kosong' is part of 'ngobrol santai' (relaxed chatting). It's not always an insult; it can be a way of acknowledging that everyone is just telling tall tales for fun. Indonesian 'netizens' are known for being very direct. You will see 'Omong kosong' or 'Hoaks' frequently in comment sections to debunk viral misinformation. Because 'omong' is Javanese, using the phrase in Jakarta or other islands carries a sense of 'street-smart' casualness that the formal 'bicara' doesn't have.
Use 'Cuma'
Adding 'cuma' (just) before the phrase makes it sound more natural and less aggressive in casual talk.
Hierarchy Matters
Never use this with someone older than you unless you want to start a serious fight.
Signification
Speech that has no meaning or truth.
Use 'Cuma'
Adding 'cuma' (just) before the phrase makes it sound more natural and less aggressive in casual talk.
Hierarchy Matters
Never use this with someone older than you unless you want to start a serious fight.
The 'Halah' Prefix
Start the sentence with 'Halah...' to sound like a native speaker expressing disbelief. 'Halah, omong kosong!'
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate response to a friend who says they can fly.
Teman: 'Aku bisa terbang!' Kamu: '...'
When someone makes an impossible claim, 'Omong kosong!' is the natural way to express disbelief.
Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete the idiom.
Jangan percaya dia, itu cuma omong _______.
The idiom is 'omong kosong' (empty talk).
Complete the dialogue using the slang version of the phrase.
A: 'Dia janji mau bantu, tapi tidak datang.' B: 'Ah, dia memang _______.'
'Omdo' (Omong Doang) is the slang for someone who talks but doesn't act.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
In which situation is 'Omong kosong' appropriate?
'Omong kosong' is used to dismiss false information in informal settings like social media.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTeman: 'Aku bisa terbang!' Kamu: '...'
When someone makes an impossible claim, 'Omong kosong!' is the natural way to express disbelief.
Jangan percaya dia, itu cuma omong _______.
The idiom is 'omong kosong' (empty talk).
A: 'Dia janji mau bantu, tapi tidak datang.' B: 'Ah, dia memang _______.'
'Omdo' (Omong Doang) is the slang for someone who talks but doesn't act.
In which situation is 'Omong kosong' appropriate?
'Omong kosong' is used to dismiss false information in informal settings like social media.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is very informal and can be rude depending on who you say it to.
Absolutely not. Use 'informasi tersebut tidak akurat' (that information is inaccurate) instead.
'Bohong' is the verb 'to lie'. 'Omong kosong' is the noun 'nonsense'. You can say 'Dia bohong' (He lied) or 'Itu omong kosong' (That's nonsense).
It's mostly used by younger people or in very casual urban settings like Jakarta.
There isn't a perfectly polite way to say 'BS', but 'Sepertinya itu kurang benar' is a safe alternative.
Yes, it means 'empty' (a room), 'zero' (numbers), or 'blank' (a form).
Yes, but 'cakap kosong' is more common in Malaysia than 'omong kosong'.
Yes, it's very common among siblings and close friends.
It adds emphasis, meaning 'purely' or 'nothing but'. It makes the dismissal stronger.
Often accompanied by a wave of the hand as if brushing away a fly, or a clicking of the tongue.
Expressions liées
Omong doang
similarTalk only (no action)
Isapan jempol
synonymA made-up story
Bualan
synonymNonsense/Bragging
Kabar burung
relatedRumor (Bird news)
Tong kosong nyaring bunyinya
builds onAn empty barrel makes the most noise
Basa-basi
contrastSmall talk / Politeness
