How do you say "The mechanics are still fixing the car." in Tetun?

"The mechanics are still fixing the car." in Tetun is "Ema mekanik sira sei hadi'a hela kareta.".

Tetun Translator

The mechanics are still fixing the car. in Tetun

Ema mekanik sira sei hadi'a hela kareta.

English → Tetun phrasebook

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.

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