Author: Bensa
Language is more than just a tool for communication — it is the vessel of culture, identity, and memory. The words we speak carry generations of wisdom, emotion, and expression unique to a place and its people. The Eastern Indonesian Dialect Dictionary – Atambua Edition was born out of a desire to preserve the vibrant expressions of the Timorese people — not only for the native speakers but also for learners, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts around the world.
As the author, I am not a linguist nor an academic. I am simply someone who listens, observes, and loves the language of my home. This is a tribute to the everyday speech of Timorese life, written with honesty and heart. I hope this dictionary helps you smile, learn something new, and feel closer to the voices of Timor.
— BensaAtambua, East Nusa TenggaraJune 8, 2025
© 2025 BensaAll rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or translated in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.
This bilingual dictionary was created as a cultural preservation effort to document the everyday dialect of Atambua — a region rich in identity, humor, and authenticity. The words in this book are not just literal definitions, but living expressions spoken in the markets, homes, streets, and schools of Eastern Indonesia.
Each entry includes:
A word in local dialect
Its meaning or contextual explanation
An example sentence
Translation into standard Indonesian and English
This collection is especially useful for:
Students and diaspora looking to reconnect with their roots
Researchers and teachers interested in regional linguistics
Content creators and cultural activists
Anyone who simply loves learning new expressions
With over 140 words and phrases, this book offers not only language — but local insight and cultural flavor.
Meaning/Explanation: An expression of surprise, amazement, or shock (similar to “whoa”, “wow”, or “oh my!”)Example Sentence: “Adiiii, yang benar sa?”Translation (to English): “Wow, are you serious?”Notes: "Adiiii" is often drawn out to emphasize emotion. Common in casual Timorese daily conversation.
Meaning/Explanation: A child or person included only as a formality; often present but ignored in group activities.Example Sentence: “Biar dia ju ikut tapi dia ana bawang.”Translation (to English): “Let him come along, but he’s just an extra.”Notes: Similar to the Indonesian expression “anak bawang”; not taken seriously in a group.
Meaning/Explanation: Biological child; also used affectionately to refer to one’s own child.Example Sentence: “Itu sa pun ana buah yang pertama.”Translation (to English): “That’s my first child.”Notes: Used warmly in family contexts.
Meaning/Explanation: A young girl just entering adolescence; can have a negative connotation similar to “party girl” or “wild teen”.Example Sentence: “Ana hecter begitu dong tu bikin pusing.”Translation (to English): “Girls like that are so troublesome.”Notes: Slang; tone may vary depending on context.
Meaning/Explanation: A social or famous youth; someone known or considered “cool”.Example Sentence: “Dong tu ana ngaruh di Timor.”Translation (to English): “They’re the popular kids in Timor.”Notes: Used positively for someone with strong social presence.
Meaning/Explanation: Literally means “that’s why” or “therefore”; used to emphasize a reason.Example Sentence: “Andia sa omong lu dengar.”Translation (to English): “That’s why I told you to listen.”Notes: Alternate form of “makanya”.
Meaning/Explanation: To talk excessively, gossip, or chatter nonstop.Example Sentence: “Lu ba omong terus dari tadi, diam dolo bisa ka?”Translation (to English): “You’ve been talking nonstop, can you be quiet for a bit?”Notes: Used to criticize someone for being too talkative.
Meaning/Explanation: To show off or flaunt style or appearance.Example Sentence: “Lu terlalu ba stel ju dari tadi.”Translation (to English): “You’ve been showing off too much.”Notes: Often used playfully among friends.
Meaning/Explanation: Dirty, grimy, unclean (especially skin or feet).Example Sentence: “Cuci lu pun kaki tu, badaki sekali.”Translation (to English): “Wash your feet, they’re really dirty.”Notes: Common parental expression.
Meaning/Explanation: Extremely tired or exhausted; body feels like falling apart.Example Sentence: “Sa ada capek sampe badan mo talepas.”Translation (to English): “I’m so tired, I feel like I’m falling apart.”Notes: Intense way to say “very tired”.
Meaning/Explanation: Take care, be careful.Example Sentence: “Bae-bae di jalan e sodara.”Translation (to English): “Take care on the road, brother.”Notes: Friendly farewell phrase.
Meaning/Explanation: Used for high-alcohol drinks that catch fire when lit; also for something extremely intense or powerful.Example Sentence: “Ini minuman keras kawan, bakar menyala na.”Translation (to English): “This is strong liquor, it lights up when burned.”Notes: Slang phrase indicating strength or potency.
Meaning/Explanation: Mutual or together; prefix meaning “each other”.Example Sentence: “Mari kita baku bantu.”Translation (to English): “Let’s help each other.”Notes: Prefix used in many compound expressions.
Meaning/Explanation: Slang for having sexual relations; euphemism.Example Sentence: “Kayanya dong ada baku celop tadi malam.”Translation (to English): “Seems like they hooked up last night.”Notes: Casual or crude, depending on tone.
Meaning/Explanation: Another slang euphemism for sexual activity; same as "baku celop".Example Sentence: “Kayanya dong ada baku kurung tadi malam.”Translation (to English): “Looks like they had sex last night.”Notes: Often used humorously or sarcastically.
Meaning/Explanation: To fight; to hit each other.Example Sentence: “Jangan baku pukul di sekolah!”Translation (to English): “Don’t fight at school!”Notes: Very common phrase
Meaning/Explanation: To deceive each other; mutual trickery.Example Sentence: “Lu mulai baku tipu orang sudah e.”Translation (to English): “You’ve started tricking people already.”Notes: Prefix “baku” shows mutual action.
Meaning/Explanation: To brawl, fistfight.Example Sentence: “Dong dua baku titi di depan pasar.”Translation (to English): “Those two got into a fight in front of the market.”Notes: Rougher than “baku pukul”.
Meaning/Explanation: Father; respectful term for older men.Example Sentence: “Baptua datang dari mana?”Translation (to English): “Where did father come from?”Notes: Can be used for elders, not just one’s own dad.
Meaning/Explanation: Just arrived.Example Sentence: “Lu bar datang ko kawan?”Translation (to English): “Did you just get here, friend?”Notes: “Bar” is short for “baru”.
Meaning/Explanation: Very noisy; loud and chaotic.Example Sentence: “Ini kelas talalu baribut.”Translation (to English): “This class is way too noisy.”Notes: Used when a place is overwhelmingly loud or messy.
Meaning/Explanation: Phrase referring to teens going through puberty or early adolescence.Example Sentence: “Dong tu ana baru nae nae badan.”Translation (to English): “Those kids are just starting to grow up.”Notes: Often used to describe moody or developing teens (ABG).
Meaning/Explanation: Extremely busy or occupied with many things.Example Sentence: “Beta bata sibuk dari pagi sampe malam.”Translation (to English): “I’ve been super busy from morning till night.”Notes: Bata = very (Timorese intensifier).
Meaning/Explanation: Bleeding lips from getting hit or injured.Example Sentence: “Itu anak kena pukul sampe bibir kecap.”Translation (to English): “The kid got hit until his lips were bleeding.”Notes: Common slang after a fight or accident.
Meaning/Explanation: Act normal; don’t make a big deal.Example Sentence: “Ko bikin biasa sa, jang terlalu ba stel ju.”Translation (to English): “Just act normal, don’t show off too much.”Notes: Used to tell someone to chill or tone it down.
Meaning/Explanation: Act cocky; to show off as if one is superior.Example Sentence: “Dia suka bikin diri di depan harim dong.”Translation (to English): “He likes to act cool in front of the girls.”Notes: Playfully sarcastic; common in youth slang.
Meaning/Explanation: Big, oversized, bulky (round shape).Example Sentence: “Donat yang disebelah itu lebih boke daripada yang ini.”Translation (to English): “The donut next to it is bigger and rounder than this one.”Notes: Can describe anything round or large — food, body, etc.
Meaning/Explanation: To eat (casual), or to choke (depending on context).Example Sentence: “Lu ceke ko kenyang.”Translation (to English): “Go eat till you're full.”Notes: Slang — tone depends on usage and region.
Meaning/Explanation: To drink alcohol to the point of intoxication.Example Sentence: “Tadi malam ada ceke mabok sampe jatuh di jalan.”Translation (to English): “Last night they drank till they fell on the street.”Notes: Common expression for heavy drinking nights.
Meaning/Explanation: Tight, short pants worn to attract attention (usually on women).Example Sentence: “Dia pake celana umpan begitu supaya apa o?”Translation (to English): “She wore those tight shorts for what reason?”Notes: Can be provocative; often a teasing or critical comment.
Meaning/Explanation: To stay awake all night till sunrise.Example Sentence: “Dong kerja cungkil matahari dari tadi malam.”Translation (to English): “They worked all night until sunrise.”Notes: Fun phrase for all-nighters.
Meaning/Explanation: Dirty, messy, grimy, untidy.Example Sentence: “Lu main lumpur dimana sampai dadolek begitu?”Translation (to English): “Where’d you play in the mud to get that dirty?”Notes: Common scolding word from parents.
Meaning/Explanation: To get, to obtain (from “dapat”).Example Sentence: “Sa dapa uang dari mama.”Translation (to English): “I got money from mom.”Notes: Shortened form, used casually in speech.
Meaning/Explanation: To get caught; to be seen doing something.Example Sentence: “Sa dapa lia dia waktu curi barang di pasar.”Translation (to English): “I caught him stealing at the market.”Notes: “Lia” = see; “dapa lia” = get seen.
Meaning/Explanation: Blood boiling; extremely angry.Example Sentence: “Sa punya darah mandidih liat lu bikin begitu.”Translation (to English): “My blood boils seeing you do that.”Notes: Used for intense anger.
Meaning/Explanation: Just arrived; just came in.Example Sentence: “Dia datang deng datang langsung tanya hal yang sama.”Translation (to English): “He just arrived and asked the same question again.”Notes: “Deng” = with/as; used for emphasis.
Meaning/Explanation: With whom? (slang from “dengan siapa?”)Example Sentence: “Lu pi disana deng sapa sa tadi?”Translation (to English): “Who did you go there with earlier?”Notes: Common daily question in Timorese conversations.
Meaning/Explanation: Sentence softener or emphasis word; adds politeness or intensity like “please” or “lah/dong”.Example Sentence: “Tolong bantu saya do.”Translation (to English): “Please help me, okay?”Notes: Very Timorese expression, can’t be directly translated.
Meaning/Explanation: Money (slang)Example Sentence: “Ko ada doi pinjam dolo ka?”Translation (to English): “Do you have some money I can borrow?”Notes: Popular slang in many Indonesian regions, not just Timor.
Meaning/Explanation: Money (slang)Example Sentence: “Ko ada doi pinjam dolo ka?”Translation (to English): “Do you have some money I can borrow?”Notes: Popular slang in many Indonesian regions, not just Timor.
Meaning/Explanation: They / Them (3rd person plural)Example Sentence: “Dong pi mana?”Translation (to English): “Where did they go?”Notes: Very commonly used subject pronoun.
Meaning/Explanation: Sitting idly; doing nothing (blank stare)Example Sentence: “Dia dudu tanganga dari tadi disitu.”Translation (to English): “He’s been sitting there doing nothing.”Notes: Used when someone’s zoning out or idle.
Meaning/Explanation: Very delicious; extremely tastyExample Sentence: “Itu mie terlalu ena mo patah.”Translation (to English): “That noodle is insanely delicious!”Notes: Literally means “so good it could break me” – slang exaggeration.
Meaning/Explanation: To hit, to punch (can be a noun or verb)Example Sentence: “Itu anak ada kena falungku.”Translation (to English): “That kid got hit.”Notes: Context determines if it’s a verb or a result.
Meaning/Explanation: Don’t care / Whatever / IndifferentExample Sentence: “Farek dengan dia.”Translation (to English): “I don’t care about him.”Notes: Casual slang used to show disinterest.
Meaning/Explanation: Slang to describe being beaten all over except the tongueExample Sentence: “Dia kena keroyok frei lidah sa.”Translation (to English): “He got beaten all over.”Notes: Humorous or sarcastic expression.
Meaning/Explanation: What?! / Surprised / DisbeliefExample Sentence: “Hae yang betul sa?”Translation (to English): “Huh? Are you serious?”Notes: Said in a shocked tone, often extended “Haaae?”
Meaning/Explanation: Messy, careless, disorganizedExample Sentence: “Kerja jangan harbabiruk begitu.”Translation (to English): “Don’t do your work so carelessly.”Notes: Used when someone is being messy.
Meaning/Explanation: Girl / WomanExample Sentence: “Itu harim terlalu gagah.”Translation (to English): “That girl is very bold.”Notes: Neutral term, context defines tone.
Meaning/Explanation: Sex worker / Paid womanExample Sentence: “Ah itu harim pake dong.”Translation (to English): “Ah, they’re all working girls.”Notes: Colloquial and often derogatory.
Meaning/Explanation: Let it be / Whatever / It’s okayExample Sentence: “Ho biar su kalau dia tidak mau.”Translation (to English): “Just let it be if he doesn’t want to.”Notes: Phrase of acceptance or letting go.
Meaning/Explanation: Yes it is! / That’s right!Example Sentence: “Ho ni, dia yang ada ambil.”Translation (to English): “Yes, he’s the one who took it.”Notes: Affirmative interjection in conversation.
Meaning/Explanation: Easily influenced; no strong opinionExample Sentence: “Lu ini ikut angin saja.”Translation (to English): “You just go with the wind.”Notes: Implying lack of principle.
Meaning/Explanation: Eat / To fill the bellyExample Sentence: “Su jam 1 nih, kita pi isi kampung tengah dulu.”Translation (to English): “It’s 1 o’clock, let’s eat.”Notes: Humorous way to refer to eating.
Meaning/Explanation: That time / Back thenExample Sentence: “Iku kapan kami pi Bali.”Translation (to English): “That time we went to Bali.”Notes: Casual way of saying “waktu itu”.
Meaning/Explanation: Don’t end up turning gay (accusatory phrase)Example Sentence: “Lu nih bergaul deng bacni dong nih jang sampe su belok?”Translation (to English): “You’re hanging with queers—don’t tell me you’re turning too?”Notes: Harsh or joking warning, can be offensive.
Meaning/Explanation: Oversized, too bigExample Sentence: “Lu pun jaket terlalu kaboak.”Translation (to English): “Your jacket is way too big.”Notes: Describes anything oversized.
Meaning/Explanation: Chaotic; disorganizedExample Sentence: “Di pasar tadi kaco parah.”Translation (to English): “The market was a total mess earlier.”Notes: Derived from “kacau”.
Meaning/Explanation: Stingy / Super cheapExample Sentence: “Lu nih kake’ek mati.”Translation (to English): “You’re so damn stingy.”Notes: Strong insult among friends/family.
Meaning/Explanation: Dirty, messy, grimy — same as "dadolek"Example Sentence: “Lu pun muka kamomos mati, pi cuci muka sana.”Translation (to English): “Your face is so dirty, go wash it.”Notes: Used for strongly scolding someone who looks filthy.
Meaning/Explanation: Why? / What for?Example Sentence: “Kanapa bkin begitu?”Translation (to English): “Why did you do that?”Notes: Colloquial from “kenapa”.
Meaning/Explanation: Stubborn / Hard-headedExample Sentence: “Ini anak terlalu kepala batu.”Translation (to English): “This kid is too stubborn.”Notes: Common across Indonesian dialects.
Meaning/Explanation: Very small / Smaller than usualExample Sentence: “Kici anak begini harga 10 ribu rupiah.”Translation (to English): “Something this small costs 10,000 rupiah?”Notes: Used for products or portions.
Meaning/Explanation: You (informal)Example Sentence: “Ko su makan?”Translation (to English): “Have you eaten?”Notes: Very common; informal.
Meaning/Explanation: You too / You alsoExample Sentence: “Lu ju na sapa suruh mau ikut.”Translation (to English): “You too—who told you to tag along?”Notes: Used to blame someone playfully or seriously.
Meaning/Explanation: Friend / Buddy / CompanionExample Sentence: “Itu sa pun konco dong.”Translation (to English): “Those are my buddies.”Notes: Also used in Javanese/Betawi.
Meaning/Explanation: To get angry or emotional about somethingExample Sentence: “Dia kasih naik urat karna itu barang pica.”Translation (to English): “He got angry because the item broke.”Notes: Literally “raise the veins”.
Meaning/Explanation: Get nothing / Wasted effort / Used for nothingExample Sentence: “Lu setia ju percuma sa kalau nanti lu kuah kosong.”Translation (to English): “Even if you stay loyal, it’s useless if you end up with nothing.”Notes: Very expressive local phrase.
Meaning/Explanation: Drinking session with friends (alcohol)Example Sentence: “Mari su kita pi lingkar gelas di sa pun rumah.”Translation (to English): “Let’s go drink at my house.”Notes: Cultural slang for group drinking.
Meaning/Explanation: Beat him up / Hit himExample Sentence: “Dia sok jago begitu lu lipat dia sa.”Translation (to English): “He’s acting all tough, just beat him up.”Notes: Used to provoke someone to fight.
Meaning/Explanation: Extremely spacious / Very wideExample Sentence: “Itu lapangan luas parah.”Translation (to English): “That field is really spacious.”Notes: “Parah” used as a slang intensifier.
Meaning/Explanation: Can mean “female (animal)” or “come here” depending on contextExample Sentence: “Lu tangkap ayam mai itu untuk jual.”Translation (to English): “Catch that hen to sell.”Notes: Context is key to meaning.
Meaning/Explanation: Expletive — “damn”, “shit”, but softerExample Sentence: “Mai ni sa omong tidak dengar.”Translation (to English): “Damn, you won’t even listen to me.”Notes: Still considered mild cursing.
Meaning/Explanation: To flirt using eye contactExample Sentence: “Dong dua suka main mata di kelas.”Translation (to English): “They keep flirting with glances in class.”Notes: Common romantic slang.
Meaning/Explanation: Wife / GirlfriendExample Sentence: “Yang baju putih itu sa pun maitua.”Translation (to English): “The one in the white shirt is my girlfriend.”Notes: Used endearingly.
Meaning/Explanation: What are you eating with? / What’s your side dish?Example Sentence: “Lu makan deng apa?”Translation (to English): “What are you eating with?”Notes: Used at meal time.
Meaning/Explanation: Mother / MomExample Sentence: “Mamtua ada pi pasar.”Translation (to English): “Mom went to the market.”Notes: Common across NTT dialects.
Meaning/Explanation: Let’s go / Come on, let’sExample Sentence: “Mar su kita pi pesta.”Translation (to English): “Come on, let’s go to the party.”Notes: Phrase to encourage action.
Meaning/Explanation: Short for “masih” (still)Example Sentence: “Mas ada ka?”Translation (to English): “Is there still any?”Notes: Colloquial abbreviation.
Meaning/Explanation: Dizzy or overwhelmed by brightness / DazzledExample Sentence: “Itu senter kena mata bikin mata gelap.”Translation (to English): “That flashlight hit my eyes and made me dizzy.”Notes: Used when overwhelmed by light or confusion.
Meaning/Explanation: Eyes lighting up with desire or excitementExample Sentence: “Dia lihat itu motor mata menyala.”Translation (to English): “His eyes lit up when he saw that motorbike.”Notes: Means someone really wants something.
Meaning/Explanation: So what? / You got a problem?Example Sentence: “Lu jago di pasar terus mo kenapa ju?”Translation (to English): “So you're tough at the market, then what?”Notes: Often used as a sarcastic challenge.
Meaning/Explanation: Puffy face / Moody face / PoutingExample Sentence: “Dia kenapa? Tiap lihat saya muka bangka begitu.”Translation (to English): “What’s wrong with him? He always looks moody when he sees me.”Notes: Describes expression, not just physical swelling.
Meaning/Explanation: Greedy / Money-orientedExample Sentence: “Muka ke dolar begitu, lu kasih 10 ribu rupiah ju su senang.”Translation (to English): “He’s so greedy, 10,000 rupiah makes him happy already.”Notes: Describes someone easily bought by money.
Meaning/Explanation: Face looks like a monkey / Ugly expressionExample Sentence: “Kena tangkap begitu muka ke kode.”Translation (to English): “After getting caught, his face looked like a sad monkey.”Notes: Can be teasing or insulting.
Meaning/Explanation: Sharp-tongued; words that hurtExample Sentence: “Itu anak kalau omong mulut ke piso.”Translation (to English): “That kid speaks with a razor-sharp tongue.”Notes: Means the person’s words are hurtful.
Meaning/Explanation: To get extremely angryExample Sentence: “Sa bisa naik darah kalo lu begitu.”Translation (to English): “I could blow up if you keep that up.”Notes: Literally means "blood rising" — very angry.
Meaning/Explanation: Miss / Young lady (polite form)Example Sentence: “Nona cantik sekali.”Translation (to English): “The young lady is very beautiful.”Notes: Respectful term for teen–adult females.
Meaning/Explanation: Brother-in-law (husband of sister or wife’s brother)Example Sentence: “Itu sa pun nyadu yang di kursi tu.”Translation (to English): “That’s my brother-in-law sitting there.”Notes: Family term.
Meaning/Explanation: Boy / Young manExample Sentence: “Itu nyong terlalu ganteng.”Translation (to English): “That guy is really handsome.”Notes: Common for males 12–30s.
Meaning/Explanation: Sweet-talking / Deceptive speechExample Sentence: “Jang percaya dia, omong b’minyak semua itu.”Translation (to English): “Don’t believe him, everything he says is a lie.”Notes: Often said about manipulators.
Meaning/Explanation: Brain freeze / Mentally tired or stuckExample Sentence: “Kerja ini barang bikin otak kram.”Translation (to English): “This work is mentally draining.”Notes: Can also mean confusion.
Meaning/Explanation: Mentally exhausted / Pained brainExample Sentence: “Kerja ini barang bikin otak sakit.”Translation (to English): “This job gives me a headache.”Notes: Similar to “otak kram”.
Meaning/Explanation: Reckless / Naughty / Doesn’t think straightExample Sentence: “Jangan ganggu dia, itu anak otak slep.”Translation (to English): “Don’t mess with him, that kid’s reckless.”Notes: Used for dangerous or wild behavior.
Meaning/Explanation: Hot-headed / Short-tempered / Not thinking properlyExample Sentence: “Jangan ganggu dia, itu anak otak sapotong kalau marah.”Translation (to English): “Don’t mess with him—he loses it when he’s angry.”Notes: Insult or warning.
Meaning/Explanation: Husband / Boyfriend (male partner)Example Sentence: “Lu kenalan dengan sa pun paitua dulu nanti.”Translation (to English): “Later, you’ll meet my husband/boyfriend first.”Notes: Casual partner title.
Meaning/Explanation: Teenage girl / Young, fashionable girlExample Sentence: “Masih paku alus dong, begitu duduk tidak tenang.”Translation (to English): “She’s still a young girl, can’t sit still.”Notes: Playful slang for teenage girls.
Meaning/Explanation: Crybaby / Easily criesExample Sentence: “Itu anak tukang palese.”Translation (to English): “That kid cries over everything.”Notes: Often used to tease kids.
Meaning/Explanation: Sitting with legs wide open (impolite posture)Example Sentence: “Lu duduk pe’e lelak disitu ko orang lihat lu pu cd.”Translation (to English): “You’re sitting with your legs wide open—people can see your underwear.”Notes: Usually a scolding to sit properly.
Meaning/Explanation: Grinning / Giggling / Laughing silentlyExample Sentence: “Diam sedikit, jang pe’e gigi terus.”Translation (to English): “Stop grinning all the time and be quiet.”Notes: Used to scold someone for smiling too much.
Meaning/Explanation: Staring wide-eyed; glaringExample Sentence: “Lihat itu barang jangn pe’e mata biji ju.”Translation (to English): “Don’t stare at that thing like that.”Notes: Can imply rude staring.
Meaning/Explanation: Short for “Pergi” (to go)Example Sentence: “Lu mau pi mana?”Translation (to English): “Where are you going?”Notes: Colloquial abbreviation.
Meaning/Explanation: Slang for walking (no vehicle)Example Sentence: “Mau pi beli makan bmna? Kita 2 modal Plat 11 saja nih.”Translation (to English): “How to go buy food? We’re just on foot.”Notes: "11" refers to two legs (walking).
Meaning/Explanation: Short for “punya” (belongs to)Example Sentence: “Lu pu buku dimana?”Translation (to English): “Where’s your book?”Notes: Common in NTT, Maluku, Papua.
Meaning/Explanation: So much / A lotExample Sentence: “Dia pun uang pun banyak.”Translation (to English): “He has so much money.”Notes: Repetition used for emphasis.
Meaning/Explanation: Very late / Took so longExample Sentence: “Paket sampe pun lama.”Translation (to English): “The package took forever to arrive.”Notes: Used when something is overdue.
Meaning/Explanation: To talk in circles / To lie / Contradict oneselfExample Sentence: “Itu anak omong putar balek, ini hari lain besok lain.”Translation (to English): “He talks in circles, says different things every day.”Notes: Implying someone is untrustworthy.
Meaning/Explanation: Short for “Saya” (I / me)Example Sentence: “Sa su makan.”Translation (to English): “I have eaten.”Notes: Used in everyday Timorese speech.
Meaning/Explanation: Kind of like… / Similar to… but can't name itExample Sentence: “Dia pun goyang tu sama ke apa ko.”Translation (to English): “The way he danced is like… something, I can’t explain.”Notes: Used when struggling to recall or describe.
Meaning/Explanation: One-meter dirty / Short (often insult)Example Sentence: “Tidak usah ukur dia samekot begitu tu.”Translation (to English): “No need to measure him—he's that short.”Notes: Teasing term for short people.
Meaning/Explanation: Short for “siapa” (who)Example Sentence: “Lu deng sapa?”Translation (to English): “Who are you with?”Notes: Very common contraction.
Meaning/Explanation: Regulate your breath / Calm downExample Sentence: “Lu stel napas baik-baik dulu baru omong.”Translation (to English): “Take a deep breath before you talk.”Notes: Used when someone is emotional.
Meaning/Explanation: Short for “sudah” (already)Example Sentence: “Lu su makan?”Translation (to English): “Have you eaten already?”Notes: Used with other words like “su tahu”.
Meaning/Explanation: Scattered / Dispersed suddenlyExample Sentence: “Dong lari batahambur.”Translation (to English): “They ran off in all directions.”Notes: Often used for chaotic movement.
Meaning/Explanation: Shocked / SurprisedExample Sentence: “Lu bikin sa takuju.”Translation (to English): “You startled me.”Notes: Short emotional expression.
Meaning/Explanation: Too much / Very / OverlyExample Sentence: “Lu talalu gagah.”Translation (to English): “You’re too cool.”Notes: Equivalent of “terlalu”.
Meaning/Explanation: Very cool / Awesome-lookingExample Sentence: “Lu pu motor terlalu gicok.”Translation (to English): “Your motorbike looks so cool.”Notes: “Gicok” = stylish, neat, attractive.
Meaning/Explanation: Super awesome / Extremely goodExample Sentence: “Dia pun gaya talalu paten.”Translation (to English): “His style is insanely good.”Notes: “Paten” = solid, top-notch.
Meaning/Explanation: To sit in messy or improper positionsExample Sentence: “Jangan duduk talepo disitu.”Translation (to English): “Don’t sit there like that.”Notes: Usually used for informal sitting posture.
Meaning/Explanation: Scattered, splashed, moving in no clear directionExample Sentence: “Dong lari tampias sembarang.”Translation (to English): “They ran around everywhere.”Notes: Used for chaotic movement, rain, or crowds.
Meaning/Explanation: To take responsibility / Take charge / Stand firmExample Sentence: “Kalau sa tidak tanam kaki itu acara tidak jadi.”Translation (to English): “If I didn’t take charge, that event wouldn’t happen.”Notes: Positive phrase — dependable leader.
Meaning/Explanation: To wander aimlessly / walk aroundExample Sentence: “Lu tapaleuk pi mana sa?”Translation (to English): “Where have you been wandering?”Notes: Implies unplanned walking.
Meaning/Explanation: To slip, especially on a wet surfaceExample Sentence: “Itu jalan licin tadi sa taroso disitu.”Translation (to English): “The road was slippery, I slipped there.”Notes: Casual usage for minor accidents.
Meaning/Explanation: To knock or bump (depends on context)Example Sentence:
“Tadi sa pun kepala tatoki di pintu.”
“Toki pintu baru masuk.”Translation (to English):
“My head hit the door earlier.”
“Knock before entering.”Notes: “Tatoki” = bump; “Toki” = knock.
Meaning/Explanation: To go out / hang out / walk aroundExample Sentence: “Kita tayang pi mall sa.”Translation (to English): “Let’s just go walk around the mall.”Notes: Same as “jalan-jalan”.
Meaning/Explanation: Very cool / super stylish / awesomeExample Sentence: “Itu baju talalu peluru.”Translation (to English): “That outfit is super cool.”Notes: “Peluru” here = high impact.
Meaning/Explanation: To ignore / not careExample Sentence: “Jalan tidak toe kita ju.”Translation (to English): “They passed by like we didn’t exist.”Notes: A sign of being overlooked.
Meaning/Explanation: To hit / to strikeExample Sentence: “Titi dia deng batu.”Translation (to English): “Hit him with a stone.”Notes: Also used in “baku titi” (mutual fighting).
Meaning/Explanation: Slang (vulgar) for penis; male genital insultExample Sentence: “Duduk bae-bae biar tolo jang keluar dari celana.”Translation (to English): “Sit properly so your thing doesn't pop out.”Notes: Crude slang; caution in use.
Meaning/Explanation: Landowner / Ghost / Spirit of a place (contextual)Example Sentence: “Di hutan biasa ada tuan tanah.”Translation (to English): “There’s usually a spirit in the forest.”Notes: Can be mystical or literal.
Meaning/Explanation: Soulmate / life partnerExample Sentence: “Itu dia pun tulang rusuk makanya mereka sampai nikah.”Translation (to English): “She’s his soulmate, that’s why they got married.”Notes: Romantic term from “Adam and Eve” metaphor.
Meaning/Explanation: Take it easy / don’t overdo itExample Sentence: “Minum mabok nih ukur ju.”Translation (to English): “Go easy with the drinking.”Notes: Advising moderation.
Meaning/Explanation: Triggering anger / provokingExample Sentence: “Dia pun gaya umpan balok parah.”Translation (to English): “His style is extremely provoking.”Notes: Used when someone’s behavior is annoying.
Meaning/Explanation: Generic vulgar slang for genitals (contextual)Example Sentence: “Uti 1 nih terlalu bikin emosi.”Translation (to English): “This guy is seriously pissing me off.”Notes: Crude insult; use carefully.
Meaning/Explanation: Overacting / Exaggerated / Being too muchExample Sentence: “Kita puji dia begitu dia tambah voe.”Translation (to English): “When we praise him, he gets even more dramatic.”Notes: Used to describe someone who overreacts or brags.
Thank you for taking the time to explore this dictionary. If you are a native speaker, I hope this work reminds you of home. If you are a learner, I hope it becomes a door into a new world of expression. And if you are a curious soul, may these pages entertain and educate you. Languages are not dying — they are waiting to be remembered. And maybe, through books like this, they will speak louder than ever. You are now a part of that voice.
With gratitude,Bensa