Sok-sokan
“Sok-sokan” is a casual Indonesian phrase often used to describe someone who is pretending or acting as if they are more capable, knowledgeable, or important than they actually are. It can be translated to “pretentious,” “showing off,” or “acting like” in English. The term is typically used in a light-hearted or teasing manner, though it can also carry a slightly negative connotation if the person’s behavior is seen as insincere or exaggerated.
In everyday conversations, “sok-sokan” is used when someone is seen doing something beyond their usual capacity or knowledge, often to impress others. It’s a term you might use with friends when someone is being overconfident or trying too hard.
Example:
- Indonesian: “Dia sok-sokan ngerti mobil, padahal nggak bisa nyetir.”
- English: “He’s acting like he knows about cars, but he can’t even drive.”
- English: “He’s acting like he knows about cars, but he can’t even drive.”
- Indonesian: “Jangan sok-sokan, nanti kamu malu sendiri.”
- English: “Don’t act like you know everything, you might embarrass yourself.”
Sentence Structure
The phrase “sok-sokan” is typically used as an adjective to describe someone’s actions. It can be placed before the verb or action to indicate that the person is pretending or overestimating their abilities.
Example:
- Indonesian: “Dia sok-sokan berani, padahal takut setengah mati.”
- English: “He’s pretending to be brave, but he’s actually terrified.”
Examples in Different Contexts
- Teasing a Friend:
- Indonesian: “Sok-sokan diet, tapi makan malamnya pizza.”
- English: “Pretending to be on a diet, but having pizza for dinner.”
- Indonesian: “Sok-sokan diet, tapi makan malamnya pizza.”
- Criticizing Behavior:
- Indonesian: “Jangan sok-sokan jadi bos, kamu belum tahu semuanya.”
- English: “Don’t act like the boss, you don’t know everything yet.”
- Indonesian: “Jangan sok-sokan jadi bos, kamu belum tahu semuanya.”
- Commenting on Overconfidence:
- Indonesian: “Dia sok-sokan pinter ngomong, padahal baru belajar.”
- English: “He’s acting like a good speaker, but he just started learning.”
- Indonesian: “Dia sok-sokan pinter ngomong, padahal baru belajar.”
- Mocking Someone’s Attitude:
- Indonesian: “Sok-sokan ngerti musik klasik, padahal nggak pernah dengerin.”
- English: “Acting like they understand classical music, but never listen to it.”
- Indonesian: “Sok-sokan ngerti musik klasik, padahal nggak pernah dengerin.”
- Reacting to a Show-off:
- Indonesian: “Ngapain sok-sokan pake bahasa Inggris, padahal susah ngomongnya.”
- English: “Why are you showing off by speaking English when it’s hard for you?”
- Indonesian: “Ngapain sok-sokan pake bahasa Inggris, padahal susah ngomongnya.”
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