A1 Idiom 비격식체

Mencari muka

Seek attention

Trying to impress a superior

🌍

문화적 배경

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.

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.

셀프 테스트

Choose the best situation to use the phrase 'mencari muka'.

Which of these people is 'mencari muka'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: b

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.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: mencari muka

'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: '_______'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Dasar, tukang mencari muka!

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.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: To seek favor through flattery

The idiom specifically refers to the act of flattery for personal gain.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

Sincerity vs. Mencari Muka

Tulus (Sincere)
Bekerja keras Working hard
Membantu diam-diam Helping quietly
Mencari Muka
Puji bos Praising the boss
Rajin saat dilihat Diligent when seen

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Choose the best situation to use the phrase 'mencari muka'. Choose A1

Which of these people is 'mencari muka'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: b

Mencari muka involves performative actions specifically to be seen by a superior.

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom. Fill Blank A2

Dia selalu _______ di depan bos supaya cepat naik jabatan.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: mencari muka

'Mencari muka' is the idiom for seeking favor. 'Membuang muka' means to look away in disgust.

Complete the dialogue between two annoyed co-workers. dialogue_completion B1

Andi: 'Lihat, Siska membawakan makan siang untuk Manajer lagi.' | Budi: '_______'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Dasar, tukang mencari muka!

This is a typical negative reaction to performative flattery in the workplace.

Match the idiom to the correct meaning. situation_matching A1

Match 'Mencari muka' with its figurative meaning.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: To seek favor through flattery

The idiom specifically refers to the act of flattery for personal gain.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, 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.

관련 표현

🔗

Ambil hati

similar

To win someone's heart/favor

🔗

Penjilat

specialized form

Sycophant / Licker

🔗

Muka dua

related

Two-faced

🔗

Pansos

similar

Social climbing

🔗

Jaga gengsi

contrast

To maintain one's prestige/pride

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