September 6, 2020
Clothing and Accessories
The general word for “clothes” in Chamorro is magågu. In this post, we’ll learn the various Chamorro terms for articles of clothing. At the end, we’ll include a brief lesson on how to say “wear”, so you can start using these words.
chinina collared shirt franela t-shirt katsunes pants katsunes kådada’ short pants katsunes anakko’ long pants bestidu dress lupes skirt tråhi uniform, outfit saku suit, jacket | katsonsiyu men’s underwear pante’ panties kamisola underslip brasia bra meyas socks dogga footwear sapåtos shoes chankletas sandals yore’ flip-flops |
Clothing Accessories
Here are some words for adotnon magågu, or clothing adornments or decorations, to komplimento i trahi-mu, or complement your outfit.
kotbåta | tie |
alåhas | jewelry |
kadena | chain, necklace |
adotnon agå’ga’ | necklace, neckwear |
alitos | earrings |
aniyu | ring |
putseras | bracelet |
guåntes | gloves |
sinturon | belt |
anti’ohos | eyeglasses |
tuhong | hat |
paini | comb |
paineta | decorative head comb |
relos | watch |
påñu | handkerchief |
Words to Describe Your Clothing
Here is a list of words that will come in handy when you want to describe your clothing. These include parts of your clothing, its condition, and the material its made out of.
kueyu | collar |
botsa | |
båtunes | buttons |
makalelu | wrinkled |
åtgidon | cotton |
låna | wool |
kueru | leather |
seda | silk |
How to say “wear” in Chamorro
In Chamorro, if we want to say “wear” an article of clothing, we use the word “usa”, which can also be used as a general word meaning “use”.
Bai hu usa bestidu agupa’.
I will wear a dress tomorrow.
Ti ya-hu manusa tuhong.
I don’t like wearing hats.
Another way to express “wear” in Chamorro is by using the affix in with an article of clothing. Study the following examples.
Håfa na ti minagågagu hao?
Why aren’t you dressed?
Ti ya-hu tinihong.
I don’t like wearing hats.
Ti sininturon yu’, sa’ ti siña hu sodda’ i sinturon-hu.
I didn’t wear a belt, because I couldn’t find my belt.
Lachaddek sinapatos! Siempre atrasao hit.
Put your shoes on quickly! We’re going to be late.
Other Chamorro verbs related to clothing
muda | to change one’s clothes, to get dressed |
mamuda | to have changed one’s clothes |
chagi | to try on |
dopbla | to fold |
prensa | to iron |
pula’ | to take off |
fa’gåsi magågu | to wash clothes |