konret

Konret is a colloquial term used in Indonesian-language speech to refer to concrete, the construction material. In standard Indonesian, the material is usually called beton; konret appears primarily in informal contexts, such as everyday conversation, popular media, and signage where a phonetic, less formal spelling is preferred. The spelling mirrors the English word concrete and reflects a broader pattern in Indonesian of adopting loanwords with spelling schemes that fit local pronunciation.

Linguistic notes: The term is not typically included in formal dictionaries, and its acceptance varies by region and speaker. Some texts spell it as konret, others as konkret or konkret; such variation arises from different attempts to map the English pronunciation to Indonesian orthography. The meaning remains closely tied to the material concrete used in building, paving, and infrastructure.

Usage and context: Konret is most common in contemporary Indonesian conversation and informal written communication, including social media and advertising aimed at a broad audience. It coexists with beton as the formal designation, with konret signaling a casual register rather than a technical specification.

See also: Beton, Concrete (material), Construction.