Expressing gratitude is an essential part of human interaction. In the beautiful language of Tetum, spoken by the people of East Timor, there are several ways to say “thank you.” Whether you’re looking to convey formal appreciation or express gratitude in a casual setting, this guide will help you navigate through the different ways you can say thank you in Tetum.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions of Gratitude
If you find yourself in a formal setting or want to show respect, here are some phrases you can use:
1. Obrigadu
The word “obrigadu” is a widely used term for thank you in Tetum. It’s neutral in tone and appropriate for various situations. When expressing appreciation to someone you respect or someone in a position of authority, “obrigadu” is always a safe choice.
Example: Obrigadu liafuan ne’ebe koalia ita nia laran. (Thank you for your kind words.)
2. Agradese
“Agradese” is another formal way to say thank you in Tetum and is slightly more polite than “obrigadu.” It is often used when showing appreciation for a favor received or in professional settings.
Example: Agradese ba imi nia ajuda. (Thank you for your help.)
3. Hanesan hamutuk ho
“Hanesan hamutuk ho” translates to “together with” and is a phrase that conveys gratitude for someone’s support or collaboration. It is typically used in formal settings to express appreciation for the joint effort.
Example: Hanesan hamutuk ho ita, bele atinje rezultadu diak liu. (Together with you, we can achieve even better results.)
2. Informal Expressions of Gratitude
In informal or casual situations, you can use these phrases to express your thanks:
1. Obrigada/o barak
A more colloquial way of saying thank you in Tetum would be “obrigada” for a female speaker and “obrigadu barak” for a male speaker. These expressions closely resemble the formal “obrigadu” but have a warmer and friendlier tone.
Example: Obrigada barak ba imi nia ajuda. (Thank you so much for your help.)
2. Diak ka lae
“Diak ka lae” is an informal way of saying “good or not” and can be used to express thanks in a more casual setting. It is commonly used among peers or friends to show appreciation.
Example: Diak ka lae! Imi simu akontesimentu boot husi ha’u. (Great! You have received my heartfelt appreciation.)
3. Regional Variations
The diversity of cultures within East Timor often leads to slight regional variations in how gratitude is expressed. While Tetum is the country’s official language, some local dialects may have unique phrases for saying thank you. Here’s an example:
1. Muito agradecidu (in Dili dialect)
In the Dili dialect, “muito agradecidu” is a common phrase that translates to “very grateful” in English. You may hear this variation when interacting with locals in the capital city, Dili.
Example: Muito agradecidu ba imi nia bondade. (Thank you very much for your kindness.)
Conclusion
Now armed with various ways to convey your appreciation in Tetum, you can confidently express your gratitude to the people you meet in East Timor. Remember, whether you opt for a formal or informal expression, the sincere sentiment behind the words is most crucial. So go ahead and say “obrigadu” or “obrigada,” or even try out some regional variations like “muito agradecidu.” Your warmth and gratitude will surely be understood and appreciated!
