Culture & Etiquette

1. Alii

   a-LII

   Hello (Palauan greeting)

   Usage

   The most common Palauan greeting, usable in any situation

   Grammar Note

   Alii is the most fundamental Palauan greeting

2. Kom kmal mesaul

   kom kmal me-SAUL

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   The most common expression of gratitude in Palauan

   Grammar Note

   kmal is an intensifying adverb

3. A rael el chad

   a ra-EL el chad

   The way of the people (traditional customs)

   Usage

   An expression referring to Palauan traditional culture and customs

   Grammar Note

   el is a linking particle functioning like a definite article

4. Ungil el kebesengei

   u-NGIL el ke-be-SENG-ei

   Good evening

   Usage

   Used as an evening greeting

   Grammar Note

   ungil is the basic adjective for "good"

5. Ngarametal

   nga-ra-ME-tal

   Traditional exchange of valuables (Palauan gift-giving custom)

   Usage

   Referring to Palau's important cultural tradition of exchange

   Grammar Note

   ngarametal is an important custom for strengthening social bonds in Palau

6. Tia ngerang?

   ti-a nge-RANG

   What is this?

   Usage

   Asking about a cultural item or tradition

   Grammar Note

   "Tia ngerang?" means "What is this?". Ngerang is "what". Medad is the inclusive 1st-person plural possessed form of mad (eye / front), not "what".

7. Chad er a Belau

   chad er a be-LAU

   Palauan person

   Usage

   Referring to someone as Palauan or from Palau

   Grammar Note

   er is a preposition indicating location or origin

8. Chesols

   che-SOLS

   Song / Traditional chant

   Usage

   Talking about Palauan traditional songs and singing culture

   Grammar Note

   Chesols means "song / chant (usually sung by old men)". Skoki is a Japanese-derived word for "airplane", not a song.

9. Bo omengur er a ngikel

   bo o-men-GUR er a ngi-kel

   Let's eat fish together

   Usage

   A meal invitation reflecting Palau's rich fishing culture

   Grammar Note

   bo is an invitation marker meaning "let's". Omengur means "to dine; have a meal"

10. Ng klou a beluu er kid

    ng KLOU a be-LUU er kid

    Our village is big / great

    Usage

    Expressing pride in one's Palauan village community

    Grammar Note

    "Ng klou a ..." means "... is big". Kid is the inclusive "we" (including the listener), so "a beluu er kid" is "our village". Meklou is the plural of klou and does not go with the singular beluu.

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