Bislama Basics
Essential words and phrases for Vanuatu
Bislama is a phonetic language — words are pronounced exactly as they are written. Ni-Vanuatu people appreciate when visitors make the effort to speak their language. A simple "Halo" is often enough to break the ice!
Greetings and Polite Phrases
Hello
Halo
How are you?
Halo, olsem wanem?
Thank you
Tangkyu
Thank you very much
Tangkyu tumas
Please
Plis
Sorry / I'm really sorry
Sori / Mi sori tumas
I'm happy to see you
Mi glad blong luk yu
Goodbye
Tata
See you later
Luk yu afta
I'm leaving now
Ale, mi go nao
Useful Travel Phrases
Where is the hotel?
Hotel i stap wea?
How much is this?
Hamas long hemia?
I need help
Mi nidim help
Where are the toilets?
Tolet i stap wea?
Do you speak English?
Yu save toktok Inglis?
Can you take us to (place)?
Yu save tekem mifala go long (nem blong ples)?
Can I eat this?
Mi save kakae hemia?
Personal Pronouns
I / Me; You
Mi; Yu
He / She / It; This
Hem; Hemia
We (including you)
Yumi
We (not including you)
Mifala
They / Them
Olgeta
You (plural)
Yufala
Numbers and Time
One / Two / Three
Wan / Tu / Tri
Day / Evening / Night
Dei / Sava / Naet
What time is it?
Wanem taem nao?
Characteristics of Bislama
Bislama uses simple words and often groups objects under one term:
Possessive relationships use blong and long:
Truk blong mi (My truck)
Pikinini i go long skul (The child goes to school)
Practical Tips
Bislama is phonetic — pronounce words as written. Halo is pronounced like "hah-loh".
Ni-Vanuatu people appreciate visitors who try their language. A simple greeting goes a long way!
If you're struggling, just ask: "Yu save toktok English?" — locals will happily help.