Hang on, I’m still cooking. in Tetun

Grammar in this phrase

• Aspect markers

  hela — 'currently' or 'reside'

  hela

  After a verb, 'hela' marks continuous aspect ('is ...-ing'). As a standalone verb it means 'live, reside'. Often paired with 'sei' for 'is still ...-ing'.

• Aspect markers

  sei — 'will' or 'still'

  sei

  Tetun has no verb conjugation. Aspect and tense are marked by particles. 'sei' sits immediately before the verb — marking a definite future ('will') or a continuative ('still'). Combine with 'hela' after the verb for ongoing action. Negation is 'sei la' = 'will not'.

More patterns like these in the Tetun grammar guide.

Related phrases

• Ha'u nia moris sei sadere hela ba ha'u nia família.My life still depends on my family.
• Kuidadu! Standar tuun hela.Be careful! The stand is still down.
• Rai sei nakukun bainhira Julieta hadeer husi nia toba fatin.It was still dark when Julieta got up.
• Ema mekanik sira sei hadi'a hela kareta.The mechanics are still fixing the car.
• Nia sei moris. (Nia seidauk mate.)He’s still alive. (He hasn’t died yet.)
• Lori labarik nia alin bá tara iha ai-leten.Take the child’s placenta and hang it in a tree.