Chamorro is an indigenous language spoken in the Mariana Islands, including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. If you’re interested in learning how to say “what” in Chamorro, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this question. Although regional variations exist within the Mariana Islands, we’ll focus on the commonly used terms. Let’s dive in and explore the different ways to say “what” in Chamorro!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What” in Chamorro
1. “Ña'” – This is the most commonly used and neutral way to say “what” in Chamorro. It can be used in formal situations or when addressing someone with respect.
Example: “Ña’ esta i patgon-mu?” – “What is your name?”
2. “Åtay” – This term is also suitable for formal situations. It is slightly more polite and often used when seeking clarification or asking for further explanation.
Example: “Åtay fayi?” – “What did you say?”
Informal Ways to Say “What” in Chamorro
1. “Åne'” – When speaking casually or among friends, “Åne'” is commonly used to mean “what”. It is less formal compared to “Ña'” and can be used in everyday conversations.
Example: “Åne’ hu tungo?” – “What do you understand?”
2. “Ka’anu” – This term is another informal way to say “what” in Chamorro. It is commonly used among peers and family members to ask for information or details.
Example: “Ka’anu kumuentusi?” – “What are you talking about?”
Tips for Using “What” in Chamorro
TIP 1: To soften the tone when using “what” in Chamorro, you can preface the question with “Despensa” (Excuse me) or “Fanmamåhalo'” (Pardon).
Example: “Despensa, ña’ hu guinaiya?” – “Excuse me, what is your favorite?”
TIP 2: Chamorro is an oral language with different dialects and regional variations. Therefore, pronunciation may vary slightly from region to region. Adapt to the local variation if you are in a specific area.
Common Phrases Using “What” in Chamorro
To help you further, here are some common phrases using “what” in Chamorro:
- “Åne’ ha’?” – “What’s this?”
- “Sa’ håyi?” – “What’s wrong?”
- “Åtay ha’ håfa i minalago’-mu?” – “What are your hobbies?”
- “Åne’ i sinangan-mu?” – “What did you say?”
- “Åne’ este?” – “What is this?”
Learning how to say “what” in Chamorro will undoubtedly enhance your communication skills and deepen your cultural understanding. Remember to practice the phrases and tips provided to become more confident in using Chamorro in everyday conversations!
Enjoy your language learning journey and embrace the beautiful Chamorro language!
