Signification
Expressing significant physical or mental exhaustion.
Contexte culturel
In the fast-paced life of Jakarta, 'capek' is a constant topic of conversation, usually centered around 'macet' (traffic). Saying 'capek sekali' is a way to bond over the shared struggle of city life. The word 'capek' itself is Javanese. In Central and East Java, you might hear 'kesel' instead of 'capek', which is the local Javanese word for tired. The catchphrase 'Capek deh!' was popularized by comedians like Ruben Onsu and Olga Syahputra. It became a national slang for 'I give up' or 'How annoying'. Indonesians often value 'kerja keras' (hard work). Expressing that you are 'capek sekali' is often seen as a badge of honor, showing you've given your all to your task.
Use 'Banget' for friends
If you are talking to close friends, 'Capek banget' sounds more natural and 'cool' than 'Capek sekali'.
Don't forget the glottal 'k'
If you pronounce the 'k' in 'capek' too strongly like an English 'k', it will sound unnatural. Keep it soft and stopped.
Signification
Expressing significant physical or mental exhaustion.
Use 'Banget' for friends
If you are talking to close friends, 'Capek banget' sounds more natural and 'cool' than 'Capek sekali'.
Don't forget the glottal 'k'
If you pronounce the 'k' in 'capek' too strongly like an English 'k', it will sound unnatural. Keep it soft and stopped.
Add 'Aduh'
Starting your sentence with 'Aduh...' (Oh...) adds a lot of native-like emotion to your expression of tiredness.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word order.
Saya ______ ______ setelah bekerja 10 jam.
The adjective 'capek' comes first, followed by the intensifier 'sekali'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend you are exhausted?
Choose the best option:
'Aku' and 'banget' are the most natural informal choices for a friend.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match these:
Each word has a specific nuance of tiredness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kamu mau ikut lari? B: Maaf, tidak bisa. Hari ini saya ______.
Being tired is the most logical reason to decline a run.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You just finished a 12-hour shift at the hospital.
Exhaustion is the primary feeling after a long work shift.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Tiredness Levels in Indonesian
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesSaya ______ ______ setelah bekerja 10 jam.
The adjective 'capek' comes first, followed by the intensifier 'sekali'.
Choose the best option:
'Aku' and 'banget' are the most natural informal choices for a friend.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Each word has a specific nuance of tiredness.
A: Kamu mau ikut lari? B: Maaf, tidak bisa. Hari ini saya ______.
Being tired is the most logical reason to decline a run.
Situation: You just finished a 12-hour shift at the hospital.
Exhaustion is the primary feeling after a long work shift.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's fine for daily life, but use 'lelah' for formal documents.
It's grammatically redundant. Just use 'Sangat capek' or 'Capek sekali'.
'Capek' is general fatigue. 'Pegal' is specifically for muscle stiffness or soreness.
No. After an adjective, it means 'very'. In other contexts, it can mean 'once'.
Use 'Saya merasa sangat lelah' or 'Saya mengalami kelelahan'.
Yes, it is very common to use it for mental or emotional exhaustion.
In Malaysia, 'penat' is much more common than 'capek'.
It's an idiom for 'Give me a break' or 'I'm so over this'.
The formal spelling is 'capek', but in texting, people often write 'cape'.
No, that sounds like you are tired of the act of eating. Use 'bosan' if you are bored of a food.
They are about the same strength, but 'banget' is more casual.
No, 'capek' is only for living beings. You can't say a car is 'capek'.
'Segar' (fresh) or 'berenergi' (energetic).
It's a common social bonding topic, often related to the heat and traffic.
Expressions liées
Capek banget
synonymVery tired (informal)
Lelah sekali
synonymVery tired (formal)
Capek deh
idiomGive me a break / I'm fed up
Pegal-pegal
similarAching muscles
Ngantuk sekali
similarVery sleepy
