Useful Phrases
Tetun is one of the two official languages and is widely spoken across Timor-Leste. Learning a few words is the best way to connect with Timorese people. Timorese love to hear foreigners try to speak their language; even a few phrases will elicit broad smiles and warm hospitality.
| Good morning | Bondia | 1 | Ida |
| Good afternoon | Botardi | 2 | Rua |
| Good evening / Good night | Bonoiti | 3 | Tolu |
| Goodbye | Adeus | 4 | Haat |
| See you later | Ate logu | 5 | Lima |
| Please | Favor ida | 6 | Neen |
| Thank you | Men say: Obrigado
Women say: Obrigada |
7 | Hitu |
| Excuse me | Kolisensa | 8 | Walu |
| I’m sorry | Deskulpa | 9 | Sia |
| How are you? | Diak ka lae? | 10 | Sanulu |
| Fine, thank you | Diak, obrigado/a | 11 | Sanulu resin ida |
| What is your name? | Ita nia naran saida? | 20 | Rua-nulu |
| My name is… | Hau nia naran… | 21 | Rua-nulu resin ida |
| What is this? | Nee saida? | 30 | Tolu-nulu |
| Where is…? | Iha nebee…? | 100 | Atus ida |
| How much is this? | Nee folin hira? | 200 | Atus rua |
| That’s too expensive! | Karun loos | 1000 | Rihun ida |
