Javanese
/ˌdʒæv.əˈniːz/noun
Relating to Java, its people, or the Javanese language.
Did you know?Ancient Sanskrit texts called Java Yāvadvīpa, often interpreted as “island of barley,” but scholars caution that the connection between this name and modern Java is not completely certain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Yāvadvīpa
“A name recorded for an island or region associated with Java; traditionally interpreted as “island of barley,” though its identification and etymology are debated.”
Early first millennium CE
Sanskrit
Yāvaka
“A term associated with barley or grain, sometimes proposed as part of the origin of Yāvadvīpa.”
Medieval period
Old Javanese
Jawa
“The indigenous name for the island of Java.”
13th–15th Century
Arabic/Malay
Jāwa / Jawa
“Names used by Arab and Malay writers for Java and its people.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Java
“The island’s name, adopted into European geographic writing.”
17th Century
English
Javanese
“Formed in English from Java plus the suffix -ese, meaning “of or relating to Java.””