Slang

1. Di'ak ka lae?

   You well?

   Usage

   Literally "good or not?" — the most common greeting in Timor-Leste, safe with anyone

2. Di'ak

   I'm good

   Usage

   The standard answer to that greeting; safe with anyone

3. Maun

   Maun (address for an older man)

   Usage

   The standard way to address an unfamiliar man — drivers, shopkeepers — and it sounds polite

4. Mana

   Mana (address for an older woman)

   Usage

   The standard way to address an unfamiliar woman; it smooths any market conversation

5. Malae

   Malae (foreigner)

   Usage

   The word you will be called. It is usually not hostile, but avoid using it to label others yourself

6. Tebes?

   Really?

   Usage

   A back-channel; safe with anyone

7. Loos!

   That's right

   Usage

   Agreement; safe with anyone

8. Lae

   Nope

   Usage

   A casual no; soften it to "lae, obrigadu" with someone senior

9. Bele

   Sure / can do

   Usage

   A yes; also used in haggling. Safe with anyone

10. Aban bainrua

    Sometime / eventually

    Usage

    Literally "tomorrow, the day after" — in practice it means "who knows when", a stock phrase about Timorese time. Use it jokingly with peers

11. Uitoan de'it

    Just a little

    Usage

    Asks for a small amount; safe with anyone

12. Halimar

    Hang out / joke around

    Usage

    Also means "I'm only joking"; use it with friends your age

13. Kolega

    Mate / friend

    Usage

    Covers colleagues and classmates; a common everyday word for a friend ("belun" is also a standard word for friend)

14. Obrigadu barak

    Thanks a lot

    Usage

    A male speaker says "obrigadu", a female speaker "obrigada". Fine with someone senior

15. Hela di'ak

    Stay well

    Usage

    Said by the person leaving to the person staying; safe with anyone

Browse all TravelPhrases languages