Question Words

1. Apo?

   What?

   Usage

   The basic question word for asking what something is

   Grammar Note

   Corresponds to Indonesian "apa" with the regular final a→o (apa → apo)

2. Dima?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; put the noun first, as in "Dima kamar mandi?"

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses it as a word for asking about a place. For a destination use "kama" (where to)

3. Bilo?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks about a time or a date

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses it as a word for asking about time. Do not use Indonesian "kapan"

4. Sia?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks who a person is

   Grammar Note

   Corresponds to Indonesian "siapa"; it is also used to ask a name (Sia namo sanak? = what is your name)

5. Manga?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses it as a word asking for a cause or reason, also "for what?". It corresponds to Indonesian "kenapa"

6. Baa?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks about a way of doing something or a state of affairs

   Grammar Note

   Corresponds to Indonesian "bagaimana". The dictionary spelling is "baa", with no apostrophe

7. Bara banyak?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a number or quantity

   Grammar Note

   "Bara" asks for a quantity (Indonesian "berapa"); adding "banyak" asks how many. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

8. Bara harago?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   Asks the price; point at the item as you say it

   Grammar Note

   Based on the sentence "Bara harago rumah ko?". "Harago" is Indonesian "harga" with final a→o

9. Nan mano?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Asks which one when choosing among several

   Grammar Note

   "Nan" corresponds to Indonesian "yang" and "mano" means which. Attested sentences also use the short "ma", as in "Ma koran wak?". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

10. Iko apo?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Asks about an unfamiliar object or dish while pointing at it

    Grammar Note

    The order is "this + what", with the question word at the end. "Apo" is Indonesian "apa" with final a→o. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

11. Dima kamar mandi?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    Asks where the toilet is

    Grammar Note

    "Kamar mandi" also covers the toilet. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

12. Pukua bara kini?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the time

    Grammar Note

    "Pukua" is a time word in the dictionary (for example pukua tujuah = seven o'clock). "Bara" asks a number and "kini" means now. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

13. Lai ado?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks in a shop whether they have something; add it after the item name

    Grammar Note

    The question form from the dictionary example "lai ado anak tu di situ?". Here "lai" is a confirming particle, not "again". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

14. Bisa ndak?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something you requested is possible

    Grammar Note

    Adding "ndak?" turns a statement into a yes/no question, the same pattern as "Buliah ndak wak ...?". "Ndak" is the casual form of "indak". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

15. Iko babayia?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Asks whether entry or use costs money

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary glosses "bayia" as to pay; with ba- it means "involves payment". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

16. Iko gratis?

    Is this free?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is free of charge

    Grammar Note

    "Gratis" is a loanword. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

17. Buliah ndak?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; you can say what you want to do first

    Grammar Note

    The same pattern as "Buliah ndak wak bukak jendela?" (may I open the window?). The dictionary lists "buliah" as can or allowed

18. Indak buliah, yo?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Checks whether something is forbidden

    Grammar Note

    Negative + "buliah" + final "yo" makes a confirming question. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

19. Sanak baiak-baiak se?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Said to someone who has fallen or looks unwell

    Grammar Note

    Built on the phrase "baiak-baiak sajo" (nothing wrong) in the dictionary entry for "sanang"; "se" is the short form of "sajo" (only). This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

20. Yo bana tu?

    Really?

    Usage

    A reaction when you are surprised

    Grammar Note

    "Yo bana tu?" is casual, so avoid it with elders

21. Sanak yakin?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Checks that the other person is sure

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary glosses "yakin" as certain; it is also used as in "Ambo indak yakin do". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

22. Sanak asa dari mano?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    Asks where someone is from

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary glosses "asa" as origin or birthplace; "dari mano" is "from where". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

23. Sia namo sanak?

    What is your name?

    Usage

    Asks a new acquaintance their name; "sanak" is a friendly address that is safe with strangers

    Grammar Note

    Literally "who is the name, sanak". "Sia" (who) is used even when asking for a name; the answer is "Namo ambo ..."

24. Umua sanak bara?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asks someone's age; best used once you know each other

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary glosses "umua" as the length of time lived; "bara" asks a number. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

25. Buliah ndak ambo foto basamo?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used at sights to ask a local for a photo together; always ask before taking it

    Grammar Note

    Follows the pattern "Buliah ndak wak bukak jendela?", with the polite "ambo" in place of the casual "wak". "Foto" is a loanword. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

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