Question Words

1. Saida?

   Sai-da?

   What?

   Usage

   The question word to ask what something is or what was said

2. Iha ne'ebé?

   I-ha ne-e-be?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; point at a map or an object while you say it

3. Bainhira?

   Bain-hi-ra?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks about time — departures, opening hours

4. Sé?

   Se?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, including who is in charge

5. Tanbasá?

   Tan-ba-sa?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; keep your tone soft so it does not sound like an accusation

6. Oinsá?

   Oin-sa?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method — how to get there, how to use something

7. Hira?

   Hi-ra?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a number of things, people, or stops

8. Folin hira?

   Fo-lin hi-ra?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard way to ask a price — the most used shopping question

9. Ida ne'ebé?

   I-da ne-e-be?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Choosing among options; use it while pointing

10. Ne'e saida?

    Ne-e sai-da?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or an item to ask what it is — handy in markets and eateries

11. Sentina iha ne'ebé?

    Sen-ti-na i-ha ne-e-be?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most used travel questions; fine to ask anyone

12. Tuku hira ona?

    Tu-ku hi-ra o-na?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful while waiting for transport

13. Iha ka lae?

    I-ha ka la-e?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is available; point at the item and it works

14. Bele ka lae?

    Be-le ka la-e?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — a discount, a repair, a takeaway

15. Selu ka lae?

    Se-lu ka la-e?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, entry, or Wi-Fi costs money

16. Gratis ka lae?

    Gra-tis ka la-e?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Check whether a sample, a map, or a shuttle is free of charge

17. La bele ka?

    La be-le ka?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being told no

18. Di'ak ka lae?

    Di-ak ka la-e?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing

19. Ó mai husi ne'ebé?

    O mai hu-si ne-e-be?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A common conversation starter

20. Ó nia naran saida?

    O ni-a na-ran sai-da?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A common conversation starter

21. Bele hau hasai foto hamutuk ho ita?

    Be-le hau ha-sai fo-to ha-mu-tuk ho i-ta?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask permission before taking a photo together

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