Question Words

1. Wanem?

   Wa-nem?

   What?

   Usage

   The question word to ask what something is or what was said

2. Wea?

   We-a?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; point at a map or an object while you say it

3. Wataem?

   Wa-taem?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks about time — departures, opening hours

4. Hu?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, including who is in charge

5. From wanem?

   From wa-nem?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; keep your tone soft so it does not sound like an accusation

6. Olsem wanem?

   Ol-sem wa-nem?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method — how to get there, how to use something

7. Hamas?

   Ha-mas?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a number of things, people, or stops

8. Hamas mane?

   Ha-mas ma-ne?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard way to ask a price — the most used shopping question

9. Wanem wan?

   Wa-nem wan?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Choosing among options; use it while pointing

10. Samting ia i wanem?

    Sam-ting i-a i wa-nem?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or an item to ask what it is — handy in markets and eateries

11. Toelet i stap wea?

    To-e-let i stap we-a?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most used travel questions; fine to ask anyone

12. I wanem taem naoia?

    I wa-nem taem nao-i-a?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful while waiting for transport

13. I gat?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is available; point at the item and it works

14. Yu save mekem?

    Yu sa-ve me-kem?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — a discount, a repair, a takeaway

15. Mi mas pem?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, entry, or Wi-Fi costs money

16. Hem i fri?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Check whether a sample, a map, or a shuttle is free of charge

17. Hem i oraet?

    Hem i o-raet?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    For asking permission; use it with a pointing gesture

18. Hem i no oraet?

    Hem i no o-raet?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    For double-checking after being turned down

19. Yu oraet?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Checking on someone's wellbeing

20. Trufala?

    Tru-fa-la?

    Really?

    Usage

    A quick check when something surprises you

21. Yu sua?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Pressing for confirmation of a fact — a more formal expression

    Grammar Note

    From English "sure"

22. Yu blong wea?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

23. Wanem nem blong yu?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A natural conversation opener

24. Yu gat hamas yia?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking a stranger's age directly, especially a woman's, can feel intrusive — best kept to close friends or children

    Grammar Note

    Literally "how many years do you have"

25. Yumitu i save tekem foto tugeta?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    For asking permission

    Grammar Note

    "Yumitu" (you-and-me) is a Bislama dual pronoun referring to exactly two people. Taking a photo is "tekem foto": "kisim" means "to kiss", not "to take" (that is kasem / tekem)

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