If you have a torch, please shine it here, as it’s very dark. in Tetun
Iha lampra karik ajuda leno lai fatin ne'e tanba nakukun loos.
English → Tetun phrasebook
Grammar in this phrase
Aspect markers
lai — 'first' / polite request
laiAfter the verb or object, 'lai' means 'first, for a moment' — often softens a request by implying the action won't last long.
Conditionals
se / karik — conditionals
karik'se' opens a definite conditional ('if X, then Y'). 'karik' sits at the end of a clause and hedges it ('perhaps'); it can also mark an uncertain conditional.
Intensifiers
Intensifiers (loos, tebes, demais, laduun)
loosPosition matters. 'loos' / 'tebes' / 'demais' follow the adjective ('barak loos' = very many). 'laduun' PRECEDES the adjective ('laduun diak' = not very good). 'liu tan' = even more.
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.
Related phrases
- Ha'u la'o iha ne'e ta'uk, tanba nakukun loos.I’m afraid to walk here, as it’s very dark.
- Favór ida tuur iha ne'e.Please sit here.
- Ajuda kehe ha'u lai, tanba kosar loos ne'e.Please fan me, because I am very sweaty.
- Ajuda lori ha'u nia karegadór mai, ha'u cas lai telefone.Please bring me my charger here, and I’ll charge the phone.
- Iha ne'e rai lolon maka'as, kuidadu keta monu.Here the slope is very steep. So be careful you don’t fall.
- Marta, favór mai buti ha'u nia isin, tanba kole loos.Marta, please come and give me a massage, as I’m very tired.