What Does Ngeteh Mean in Indonesian?
If you’re learning Indonesian, you might already know the word teh (tea). But in daily conversations, Indonesians don’t always say minum teh. Instead, they often say ngeteh.
Just like ngopi means “to drink coffee,”
ngeteh is the casual way to say “to drink tea”.
It’s simple, relaxed, and very commonly used in everyday conversations — especially during slow afternoons or while chatting with friends or family.
How Indonesians Use “Ngeteh”
“Ngeteh” is a very natural verb used across Indonesia. You’ll hear it at homes, small cafés, work breaks, and during casual hangouts.
Here are some common situations where people use it:
- When inviting someone to take a short break
- When starting a relaxed conversation
- When hosting guests at home
- When enjoying afternoon tea time
For many Indonesians, ngeteh isn’t just about drinking tea — it’s a moment to slow down, rest, and talk.
Example Sentences
Here are simple, natural examples you can use:
- Ayo ngeteh dulu!
Let’s have some tea first! - Aku suka ngeteh sore-sore.
I like drinking tea in the late afternoon. - Kita ngeteh sambil ngobrol, yuk.
Let’s drink tea while chatting. - Dia lagi ngeteh di teras.
He/She is drinking tea on the terrace.
Why “Ngeteh” Is Useful to Learn
Because it’s:
- Casual
- Super commonly used
- Easy to remember
- Part of natural daily Indonesian
Using “ngeteh” will make you sound more fluent and more connected to real Indonesian conversations.
