Transportation

1. PMV i go we?

   Where does the PMV go?

   Usage

   PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) is PNG's shared minibus. Used to check the destination

   Grammar Note

   The PMV is PNG's primary public transport. Question word "we" (where) typically comes at the end of the sentence.

2. Mi laik go long ...

   I want to go to ...

   Usage

   Used to state your destination. Replace "..." with the place name

   Grammar Note

   "Long" is Tok Pisin's all-purpose preposition. "Mi laik go long maket" = "I want to go to the market."

3. Stop hia plis

   Stop here please

   Usage

   Used on a PMV or in a vehicle to indicate where to stop

   Grammar Note

   Imperatives in Tok Pisin use the bare verb. Adding "plis" makes it polite. On PMVs you may also hear "Dropa!" (drop me off).

4. Hamas long PMV?

   How much is the PMV fare?

   Usage

   Used to ask the fare for a bus or shared vehicle

   Grammar Note

   PNG currency is the Kina (K) and Toea. PMV fares vary by route. Payment is typically made to a conductor after boarding.

5. Wanpela teket, plis

   One ticket please

   Usage

   Used to purchase a ticket at an airport or bus terminal

   Grammar Note

   Tok Pisin numerals are "wan, tu, tri, foa, faiv..." with "-pela" suffix: wanpela, tupela, tripela, etc.

6. Balus i go wanem taim?

   What time does the plane depart?

   Usage

   Used at an airport or travel agent to check departure time

   Grammar Note

   "Balus" is a Tok Pisin/Melanesian word for airplane. Domestic flights are essential in PNG due to its geography. Air Niugini is the main carrier.

7. Rot i longwe?

   Is it far away?

   Usage

   Used to ask whether a destination is far

   Grammar Note

   Road infrastructure is limited in many parts of PNG. "Rot i bagarap" (the road is broken/bad) is commonly heard.

8. Taksi i stap we?

   Where are the taxis?

   Usage

   Used to find a taxi stand

   Grammar Note

   "Stap" comes from "stop" but means "to be present." The pattern "[noun] i stap we?" = "Where is [noun]?" is highly useful.

9. Rot i bagarap

   The road is bad / broken

   Usage

   A very practical and commonly heard phrase in PNG for describing road conditions

   Grammar Note

   "Bagarap" is one of Tok Pisin's most famous words, from "buggered up." It applies to anything broken or dysfunctional. PNG roads deteriorate badly in the wet season.

10. Maket i stap we?

    Where is the market?

    Usage

    Used to ask for directions to the market while getting around

    Grammar Note

    Open-air markets are central to daily life in PNG. The pattern "[place] i stap we?" is very useful for asking locals or PMV drivers for directions.

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