Basic Words

1. Yes

   Usage

   The basic affirmative reply; also works when someone checks something with you

2. Nogat

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; say it gently to stay polite

3. Plis

   Please

   Usage

   Add it when asking for something; it also works on its own

4. Tenkyu

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic thank-you when you receive something or get help

   Grammar Note

   For emphasis say Tenkyu tru — thank you very much

5. Skius

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Use to get a stranger's attention or to squeeze past someone

6. Sori

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology when you are at fault — bumping into someone, making a mistake

7. Em i orait

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both to wave off an apology and to decline help or concern

8. Mi no save

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say this first when the language is not getting through; people will rephrase

   Grammar Note

   save means to know or be able to; Mi no save = I do not know

9. Mi save

   I understand

   Usage

   The reply when you have understood; it also signals agreement

10. Mi pinis

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you are done with a meal, a payment, or a procedure

11. Plis wetim

    Please wait

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to hold on

12. Wet liklik

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For just a few seconds — while you find your wallet or your bag

13. Wanpela adult

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance, to state how many people

14. Mi no bukim

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Say this first when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. Mi bukim pinis

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    At the front desk; follow it with your name

16. Plis helpim mi

    Please help me

    Usage

    Call for help in an emergency — it is fine to shout this

17. Plis toktok gen

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what they just said

18. Plis toktok isi

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When someone speaks too fast; people almost always slow down

19. Mi save toktok liklik

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Keeps the conversation going while lowering expectations

20. Yu save toktok Inglis?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Check for a shared language when you need to discuss something complicated

21. Dispela

    This

    Usage

    Point at something right in front of you

22. Hia

    Here

    Usage

    Point at a place

23. Long hap

    There

    Usage

    Point at a place further away

24. Mi

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself to make clear who you mean

25. Yu

    You

    Usage

    Point at the other person to make clear who you mean

26. Wantaim

    Together

    Usage

    Show that you are with someone

27. Wanpela

    One person

    Usage

    Give the number of people

28. Tupela

    Two people

    Usage

    Give the number of people

29. Tripela

    Three people

    Usage

    Give the number of people

30. Nau tasol

    Right now

    Usage

    Show that it is urgent

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