Signification
Unable to do anything or respond.
Contexte culturel
Indonesians often use humor to describe failure. 'Mati kutu' is a way to soften the blow of a total defeat by using a slightly silly insect metaphor. The concept of 'isin' (shame) is strong. Being 'mati kutu' in public is a major source of 'isin,' so people try hard to avoid these situations. On Twitter (X) and TikTok, 'mati kutu' is used to describe 'cancel culture' moments where a public figure has no defense left. In Batak culture, which is known for being more direct and outspoken, 'mati kutu' might be used more aggressively in a verbal sparring match.
Use with 'Membuat'
If you want to say someone defeated you, say 'Dia membuat saya mati kutu.' It's the most natural way to use it actively.
Not for Grief
Never use this when someone is actually dead or in mourning. It sounds like you are making fun of them.
Signification
Unable to do anything or respond.
Use with 'Membuat'
If you want to say someone defeated you, say 'Dia membuat saya mati kutu.' It's the most natural way to use it actively.
Not for Grief
Never use this when someone is actually dead or in mourning. It sounds like you are making fun of them.
Sports Commentary
If you watch Indonesian football, listen for this phrase. It's the #1 way commentators describe a striker who isn't scoring.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Saat rahasianya terbongkar, dia langsung ____.
When a secret is revealed, a person is usually stumped or powerless to explain, which is 'mati kutu.'
Which situation best describes 'mati kutu'?
Pilih situasi yang tepat:
Being unable to answer a tough question is a classic 'mati kutu' moment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Bagaimana hasil debat tadi?' | B: 'Lawan kita sangat hebat, tim kita dibuat ____.'
In a debate, if the opponent is great, they make you 'powerless' or 'mati kutu.'
Match the idiom to the feeling.
Mati kutu = ...
'Tidak berdaya' means powerless, which is the core meaning of 'mati kutu.'
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSaat rahasianya terbongkar, dia langsung ____.
When a secret is revealed, a person is usually stumped or powerless to explain, which is 'mati kutu.'
Pilih situasi yang tepat:
Being unable to answer a tough question is a classic 'mati kutu' moment.
A: 'Bagaimana hasil debat tadi?' | B: 'Lawan kita sangat hebat, tim kita dibuat ____.'
In a debate, if the opponent is great, they make you 'powerless' or 'mati kutu.'
Mati kutu = ...
'Tidak berdaya' means powerless, which is the core meaning of 'mati kutu.'
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not rude, but it is informal. It's like saying 'he was totally stumped' in English. Use it with friends or colleagues, but maybe not with your CEO.
No. For a broken car, use 'mogok' or 'mati total.' Mati kutu is only for people or teams.
It literally means 'dead lice.' It comes from the idea that a dead louse can't move or cause trouble anymore.
Yes, you can use 'tidak berdaya' (powerless) or 'terpojok' (cornered) in formal writing.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'mati kutu.' Changing the order changes the meaning to literal dead lice.
Yes, metaphorically. It reduces the person to the level of an insect to emphasize how complete their defeat is.
No. For boredom, use 'bosan' or 'mati gaya.' Mati kutu is specifically about being unable to act or respond.
Yes, 'mati kutu' is also used in Malay, with the same meaning.
You can use it to describe a past situation, but don't use it to describe your current feeling to the interviewer, as it sounds a bit too casual.
'Skakmat' (checkmate) implies a strategic end to a game. 'Mati kutu' is broader and can be used for any situation where you are stumped.
Expressions liées
Tidak bisa berkutik
synonymUnable to move or respond.
Kena batunya
similarTo get what one deserves / Karma.
Mati langkah
similarTo run out of moves.
Angkat tangan
contrastTo give up / Surrender.
