Laundry

1. We i gat ples bilong wasim klos?

   Where is there a place to wash clothes?

   Usage

   Asking where you can do laundry

   Grammar Note

   "Wasim" from "wash him" is the transitive verb for washing. "Klos" from "clothes" means clothing.

2. Haumas mani long wasim dispela klos?

   How much does it cost to wash these clothes?

   Usage

   Asking the price for washing clothes

   Grammar Note

   "Haumas" from "how much" asks about quantity or price. "Mani" from "money" means money.

3. Wanem taim klos bilong mi bai i redi?

   When will my laundry be ready?

   Usage

   Asking when the laundry will be done

   Grammar Note

   "Bai i redi" = will be ready (future). "Bai" marks the future tense.

4. Dispela klos i nid draipim gut

   These clothes need to be dried properly

   Usage

   Instructing that clothes need to be properly dried

   Grammar Note

   "Draipim" from "dry him" = to dry something. "Gut" used adverbially means well or properly.

5. Mipela laik baim sop bilong wasim klos

   We want to buy laundry soap

   Usage

   Wanting to buy soap or detergent for laundry

   Grammar Note

   "Bilong + verb phrase" expresses purpose: "for washing clothes." This is a common way to indicate intended use.

6. Inap mi hangim klos antap long haus?

   Can I hang clothes on top of the house?

   Usage

   Asking permission to hang laundry on the roof or outside

   Grammar Note

   "Antap" from "on top" means above or on top. "Antap long" = on top of (prepositional phrase).

7. Dispela klos i nid wasim wantaim

   These clothes need to be washed together

   Usage

   Instructing that clothes should be washed together

   Grammar Note

   "Wantaim" from "one time" means together or at the same time — a key adverb in Tok Pisin.

8. Ren i pundaun, klos i no inap drai

   It is raining, the clothes cannot dry

   Usage

   Explaining that laundry cannot dry due to rain

   Grammar Note

   "Pundaun" from "fall down" = to fall. "Ren i pundaun" = rain is falling. "No inap" = cannot/not able.

9. Dispela klos i doti tumas

   These clothes are very dirty

   Usage

   Saying that clothes are very dirty

   Grammar Note

   "Dirty" is doti. Smok means "smoke, tobacco", not "dirt". Intensification is done by placing tumas after the adjective.

10. Aa, klos bilong mi i drai pinis

    Oh, my laundry has dried

    Usage

    Noticing that your laundry has finished drying

    Grammar Note

    "Pinis" is an aspect marker placed after verbs to indicate completion. "Drai pinis" = has dried / finished drying.

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