nangga
The Chamorro word for 'wait' is nangga.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Did you know?
- Because Chamorro is an Austronesian language, the structure of words like nangga relates to a vast network of languages stretching from Madagascar to Easter Island.
- In many Chamorro-speaking households, using nangga as a direct command to an elder would be considered quite jarring and impolite.
- The word nangga shares a linguistic ancestor with the Indonesian word nanti, which also means 'later' or 'to wait'.
Example conversation
Antonio and Elena are waiting for a friend to arrive.
- AntonioNangga nai i amigo-ta.Wait for our friend.
- ElenaKao ya muna?Is he already here?
- AntonioHåga, nangga nai.No, just wait.
- ElenaHåga, hasso'i yo.Okay, I'll remember.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nangga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
