Basic Words

1. Hunggan

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Åhe'

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Pot fabót

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Si Yu'os ma'åse'

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

   Grammar Note

   "Si Yu’os ma’åse’" originally means "may God have mercy" and is the fullest way to say thank you in Chamorro.

5. Dispensa yu'

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   From Spanish "dispensar"; used both for passing someone and for getting attention.

6. Asi'i yu'

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Maolek ha'

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Ti hu komprende

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Hu komprende

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Monhåyan

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Nangga pot fabót

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Nangga didide'

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Un taotao dångkolo

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Tåya' reserbasion-hu

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Reserbasion" is a Spanish loan; the -hu suffix means "my."

15. Guaha reserbasion-hu

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Ayuda yu' pot fabót

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Ta'lo pot fabót

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Kuentos dispåsiu pot fabót

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Didide' ha' hu kuentos

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Kao un kuentos Engles?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Este

    This

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at something in front of you

22. Enao

    That

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at something near the other person

23. Ayu

    That over there

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at something further away

24. Guini

    Here

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at a place

25. Guenao

    There

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at a place

26. Guihi

    Over there

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at a place further away

27. Guåhu

    I / Me

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at yourself

28. Hågu

    You

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at the other person

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