Ways to Say: How Are You in Chamorro

In this lesson we discuss the different ways to ask “how are you.” It’s a common question in most languages around the world, and there are many ways to say it in Chamorro. Why so many ways to ask the same thing? Well, for starters, varying how you ask helps you sound more like a native speaker and not a robot. Also, the form you choose may sound awkward or rude if asked to the wrong audience. But luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place, and you can avoid these pitfalls altogether. Ta tutuhon…let’s start!

1. Actually asking someone “how are you?” This is the most common way of asking someone are you:
   
   Håfa tatatmanu hao?
   How are you?
2. And here’s how to ask that same question to a group of people (3 or more people)

   Håfa manatatmanu hamyo?
   How are you all doing?

3. Using the common Chamorro greeting Håfa Adai! Believe it or not, when someone says håfa adai, they’re saying hello by asking “how is it going?” This is similar to English when people say “how are you” as a greeting.If you actually want to know how someone is doing, you may want to ask “håfa tatatmanu hao?” or the next question…
4. Ask if they are “still doing well”…Kåo mamaolek ha’? This is a common, less formal way of asking someone how they are. Use this with friends or with people you have some familiarity with.
5. And more casually…mamaolek ha’? You’re omitting the question marker kåo, so be sure to say it with a question tone.
6. And again addressing a group:Kåo manmamaolek ha’ hamyo?
   Are you (all) doing well?
7. Asking how they’re feeling…Kao mamaolek ha’ i siniente-mu? Are you feeling well?

And, if you’re the one asked “how are you” in Chamorro, you might answer with one of the following:

• Mamaolek ha’ yu’.  I’m still doing good.
• Gof maolek. Very good.
• Lamaolek i siniente-ku. I feel better.
• Malångu  yu’. I’m sick.