Excuse me, I need to pass in front of you. in Tetun

Kolisensa, ha'u liu lai iha oin.

English → Tetun phrasebook

Grammar in this phrase

  • Aspect markers

    lai — 'first' / polite request

    lai

    After the verb or object, 'lai' means 'first, for a moment' — often softens a request by implying the action won't last long.

  • Comparison

    liu — comparison 'more / most'

    liu

    Tetun comparison uses 'X liu Y' not 'mais X' — the adjective stays put and 'liu' follows. With a focus 'mak' it becomes superlative. Avoid Portuguese-style 'melhor' or 'mais boot'.

More patterns like these in the Tetun grammar guide.

Translate your own text with the free English ↔ Tetun translator or look up individual words in the Tetun dictionary.

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