Greetings in Papua New Guinea: Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu & English
Papua New Guinea has 800+ languages, but three serve as national lingua francas. Use these:
Hello
| Language | Phrase | Pronunciation | Context |
|---|
| Tok Pisin | Olá! / Monin! / Gutde! | oh-LAH / MOH-neen / goot-DEH | Most widely spoken; all regions. |
| Hiri Motu | Iaora | ee-ah-OH-rah | Papuan region (Central/Gulf). |
| English | Hello / Good morning / Good day | — | Official; government, business, tourism. |
Goodbye
| Language | Phrase | Pronunciation | Context |
|---|
| Tok Pisin | Gut bai / Lusim yu | goot BYE / loo-SEEM yoo | Casual / "leave you". |
| Hiri Motu | Moe uri / Moe vare | MOH-ay OO-ree / MOH-ay VA-reh | "Go well" / "Stay well". |
| English | Goodbye / Farewell / See you later | — | Universal fallback. |
Cultural Tips
- Handshake + smile is standard; in Highlands, may add shoulder touch.
- "Yu orait?" (Tok Pisin for "How are you?") is a great opener.
- Learn a few words in the local vernacular (tok ples) of the village you visit—deeply appreciated.
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