Meaning
Spending time viewing television programs.
Cultural Background
TV is often left on all day in Indonesian homes as 'teman' (a friend) or background noise, even if no one is actively watching. The concept of 'Nonton Bareng' (Nobar) originated from villages where only one person had a TV. It remains a huge part of football culture. Younger Indonesians are moving toward 'nonton' on streaming platforms, but they still use the phrase 'nonton TV' to refer to the activity of watching long-form content. During Ramadan, TV stations air special 'Sinetron Ramadan' and 'Sahur' shows. Nonton TV at 3 AM is a unique annual tradition.
Drop the prefix
Always drop the 'me-' in 'menonton' to sound like a local.
Nobar
If someone invites you to 'Nobar', it's a great way to make friends!
Meaning
Spending time viewing television programs.
Drop the prefix
Always drop the 'me-' in 'menonton' to sound like a local.
Nobar
If someone invites you to 'Nobar', it's a great way to make friends!
Pronunciation
Don't say 'tee-vee' like in English; say 'te-ve'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
Saya sedang ______ TV di kamar.
The context of 'TV' requires the verb 'nonton' (watch).
Which sentence is the most natural for a casual conversation?
Asking a friend if they want to watch TV.
'Mau nonton TV?' is the standard casual way to invite someone.
Match the Indonesian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are all common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kamu lagi apa? B: Lagi ______ TV nih. Ada film bagus.
The mention of 'film bagus' (good movie) confirms the activity is watching TV.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can you 'nonton'?
Entertainment
- • TV
- • Film
- • YouTube
- • Sinetron
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSaya sedang ______ TV di kamar.
The context of 'TV' requires the verb 'nonton' (watch).
Asking a friend if they want to watch TV.
'Mau nonton TV?' is the standard casual way to invite someone.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all common variations of the phrase.
A: Kamu lagi apa? B: Lagi ______ TV nih. Ada film bagus.
The mention of 'film bagus' (good movie) confirms the activity is watching TV.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is informal. Use 'menonton televisi' for formal contexts.
Yes, 'nonton' is used for any screen-based viewing.
The root is 'tonton'.
Saya sedang nonton TV.
No, it's pronounced 'te-ve'.
It's short for 'Nonton Bareng' (watching together).
No, for a book use 'baca'.
Yes, very much so, especially sinetrons and news.
'Nonton' is for watching a show; 'melihat' is for seeing an object.
Yes, that means 'watching a movie'.
Related Phrases
Nonton bareng
specialized formWatching together in a group
Acara TV
similarTV show
Remote TV
similarTV remote
Siaran langsung
similarLive broadcast
