Greetings and Introductions

Master the fundamentals of Tetum grammar

Module 1: Asking and Telling Names

Skill 2 – Introductions

Introducing yourself is one of the most important skills when learning a new language. In Tetum, asking and telling someone’s name is often the first step to starting a conversation.

The choice of words depends on the level of formality:

Ita is used in formal situations or when speaking to someone older or in a position of respect.
Ó is used informally, with friends, peers, or people younger than you.

This lesson will help you:

  • Ask someone’s name politely and informally.
  • Respond with your own name.
  • Use polite closing phrases to make the conversation friendlier.
By mastering these expressions, you’ll be able to confidently introduce yourself and make a good first impression in Tetum-speaking contexts.

Tetum English Translation Notes
Ita-boot nia naran saida? What is your name? Polite/formal, used with adults or people you respect
Ó-nia naran saida? What is your name? Informal, used with friends or people your age
Hau-nia naran … My name is … Example: Hau-nia naran Paulo
Kontente bele hasouru ita (In Formal) Nice to meet you Common polite response after introductions
Kontente bele hasouru o (In informal) Nice to meet you Common informal response after introductions

Examples

Example 1 – Polite introduction:

Tetum: Dader diak, ita-nia naran saida?

English: Good morning, what is your name?

Response: Hau-nia naran Maria.

Example 2 – Informal introduction:

Tetum: Ó-nia naran saida? Hau-nia naran Paulo.

English: What is your name? My name is Paulo.

Example 3 – Adding polite closing:

Tetum: Ita-nia naran saida? Hau-nia naran José. Kontente bele hasoru o.

English: What is your name? My name is José. Nice to meet you.

Practice

A. Fill in the blanks:
  1. Ita ______ saida? (What is your name?)
  2. Hau ______ Paulo. (My name is Paulo.)
  3. Kontente bele ______ ita. (Nice to meet you)--(Formal)
  4. Kontente bele ______ o. (Nice to meet you)-- (Informal)
B. Translate to Tetum:
  1. My name is Ana.
  2. Nice to meet you.
  3. What is your name? (polite form)

5. Answer Key & Explanation

A. Fill in the blanks
  1. naran → "Ita-nia naran saida?" means "What is your name?"
  2. naran → "Hau-nia naran Paulo." means "My name is Paulo."
  3. hasoru → "Kontente bele hasoru ita." means "Nice to meet you."
B. Translation
  1. Hau-nia naran Ana.
  2. Kontente bele hasoru ita.
  3. Ita-nia naran saida?
Explanation:
  • Ita is formal/polite, Ó is informal.
  • naran = name.
  • Always follow Hau-nia naran with your actual name.
  • Kontente bele hasoru ita is a polite closing phrase often used in first meetings.
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