English→Tetum

Translate English to Tetum like a local.

Tetun Dili sounds like itself through everyday Portuguese loanwords, colloquial particles, and the direct rhythm of Dili speech.

Going the other way? Tetum to English

474 local dialects

What locals actually say

Please wait for me outside.

Favor hein hau iha liur, bele?

The Portuguese loanword “favor” and sentence-final “bele?” soften the request in everyday Tetun Dili.

I’m on my way; don’t start without me.

Hau mai daudaun; keta hahú laiha hau.

“Daudaun” marks an action happening now or very soon, while “keta” is the familiar way to say “don’t.”

Can you send me the address on WhatsApp?

Bele haruka enderesu ba hau iha WhatsApp?

Dili speakers commonly use the Portuguese-derived “enderesu” for “address,” with “bele” making the request conversational rather than formal.

I don’t have any change.

Ha'u laiha osan troka.

Laiha is Tetum’s negative-existential form, signaling that something is absent or unavailable.

Could you give me a little more rice?

Favor fó tan etu uitoan.

Tan signals an additional amount, while favor is a common Portuguese loanword used for polite requests.

My mother is already at home.

Ha'u nia inan iha uma ona.

Nia marks possession, and ona signals that the state is already true.

I need to finish this before lunch.

Ha'u tenke remata ida-ne'e molok almosu.

Tenke signals obligation, molok means before, and almosu is the natural Tetum loanword for lunch.

I’m really tired today.

Ha'u kole loos ohin.

Loos works as an intensifier meaning really, while ohin identifies today as the time.

Notes like these come with every AIRTranslate translation, so you learn why locals phrase it that way as you go.

Tetun Dili with natural Portuguese loanwords.

Every one of 474 dialects, with voice, camera, a keyboard for any app, and offline packs.